Birthday Tradition
Photo Credit: Animal Welfare Society of SA

Riley Valentine has kept up his birthday tradition of gifting food donations to the Animal Welfare Society, making for a 13th birthday bash like no other.

 

Cape Town, South Africa (02 October 2024) — Riley Valentine’s 13th birthday was as special for him and his own family as it was for his friends at the Animal Welfare Society SA in Philippi. Staying true to what has become a birthday tradition for the young teen, Riley once again paid the organisation a birthday visit, baring gifts for the animals in their care to commemorate his big day.

Riley has had a big place in his heart for the AWS since the age of 9 when he became a volunteer for them. Just a year later, his ‘Cause-for-Paws’ birthday tradition would begin as a time where he’d ask friends and family for a pretty unique gift by 10-year-old standards—pet food for animals in need.

Riley donated the food goodies to the organisation in what was a record pet food donation for a birthday celebration. But, more heartwarmingly, he kept up the tradition year after year!

To celebrate the beginning of his teens, Riley knew he wanted to be surrounded by the animals he so adores while making their lives a little softer.

With food bags in tow, he visited the pooches, enjoyed a few cuddles, and of course, made sure they had party favours (pet food).

“[Riley] is a true definition of a hero and a great AWS ambassador,” reflected the AWS who further thanked their young friend for his continuous birthday places.


Sources: Animal Welfare Society of SA
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

About the Author

Ashleigh Nefdt is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Ashleigh's favourite stories have always seen the hidden hero (without the cape) come to the rescue. As a journalist, her labour of love is finding those everyday heroes and spotlighting their spark - especially those empowering women, social upliftment movers, sustainability shakers and creatives with hearts of gold. When she's not working on a story, she's dedicated to her canvas or appreciating Mother Nature.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *