When her mum said she was having a soap party, Katie asked if she could sell her old toys too. “Initially I said no” said Katies mum, “but she badgered me until I finally gave in”. Katie sold soft toys, racing cars and stained glass hangings amongst other things and raised $20.40 which she personally delivered to the staff at Pukaha Mount Bruce. Staff were so blown away be Katie’s fundraising efforts and enthusiasm that they took her on a special trip to see the Campbell Island Teal ducklings. “They’re soooo cute” said Katie.

The 9 year old Mangamaire School student has been interested in conservation for as long as she can remember and she counts herself lucky that she lives just a few kilometers away from the National Wildlife Centre. “I can come here any time!” says Katie.

Katie has a passion for animals and dreams of one day working to protect endangered species such as kiwi. Writing is also a passion for Katie and she say’s she’s written stories about kiwi and fantails.

So what’s next for Katie? She says she is thinking about asking the local council if she can volunteer to plant more trees on the roadsides. When asked why, Katie said “trees supply oxygen, we need more trees”. She said she is also already thinking about other ways of fundraising for Pukaha Mount Bruce. For now though, she’s keeping that plan to herself.
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