Grade 9 Learner Fills Two Trolleys With Donations for Local Animal Shelter

Photo Credit: EL Pet Pals

A young learner’s winter donation drive has created meaningful support for the dogs and cats at his local animal shelter!

KuGompo, South Africa (13 July 2026) – An Eastern Cape high-schooler made it his mission to support his local animal welfare shelter. Over the weekend, he made an incredible handover!

Kian Gregoriou is a grade 9 learner at Stirling High School in KuGompo. Over the past weeks, he has worked hard to rally fellow animal lovers and supporters to make a difference to rescued and abandoned animals throughout the cold winter months.

With EL Pet Pals as the worthy cause, he started an initiative collecting blankets and food to fill up hungry bellies and keep four-pawed friends at the shelter warm.

The shelter cares for around 200 dogs and 80 cats at its sanctuary in Wilsonia. Its small team of five staff and five volunteers work around the clock to feed, medicate and comfort every animal that arrives, many of whom have known only neglect.

Thorugh his drive, Kian was able to make a mountain of donations, hosted by his local Gonubie Superspar, filling up two trolleys of dog food, treats and blankets. Beyond that, R1646 in vital funds was raised for EL Pet Pals.

“In a true display of empathy and dedication, Kian Gregoriou of Stirling High School rallied all like-minded animal warriors, to empower our mission! A wonderful amount of R1 646 was also raised thanks to this inspirational initiative. We are delighted to acknowledge an enormous “Thank You!” to Kian, Mrs Gregoriou, every caring contributor, and the Gonubie Superspar for kindly hosting Kian for part of this gorgeous gifting!” the shelter shared.

It’s always encouraging to see young people step up for causes they care about, especially when it creates such meaningful support. Thanks to Kian’s compassion and determination, dozens of dogs and cats at EL Pet Pals will have fuller bellies and warmer beds.