My daughter recently turned eight. She is my third child. To date, I have hosted a total of 39 children’s birthday parties for my children. As most North American parents can attest to, our children get spoiled rotten at their birthday parties. Mom and Dad often feel overwhelmed with the opulence in which our children seem to be accustomed to.
I’ve been exploring less opulent options for my children’s parties. Pippi and I came up with a great plan for her 8th birthday party. We chose to hold her party at the local SPCA (Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals). It proved to be a win-win. The children loved visiting all of the animals and playing animal themed games and I felt good about handing my cheque over to a non-profit organization (designed to better the lives of animals is need).
I supplied the party food and the SPCA supplied decorations, tour, games, dishes, craft, goodie bags and cleanup.
I also had an optional request: in leu of gifts, our guests could choose to donate $5 toward the “adoption” of an endangered Siberian Tiger in Russia through the World WIldlife fund http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Tiger.aspx
Adopting the tiger was Pippi’s idea as she has a recent interest in the Russian language and wants to travel there asap. I’ve sent in the generous donation from our guests and added a little to it myself. Pip’s adoption certificate should be coming in the mail soon.
Pippi will bring pictures of the tiger to school to show her friends so they can all feel good that their generosity helps save even one tiger from poaching or habitat destruction.
Leave a Reply