6-Year-Old Asks For Donations Instead Of Gifts
[Written by Stephen Wright]
A six-year-old girl asked her friends to donate to a local charity rather than buy her presents for her recent sixth birthday.
Shivya Arun Konaru, from Sandys, raised $350 for WindReach Bermuda, which offers therapeutic and educational experiences at its outdoor centre in Warwick.
The money went towards buying groceries for the diverse array of therapy animals at WindReach.
Shivya’s mother, Shubratha Arun Konaru, said a Citizenship-themed month at Somerset Primary School inspired her daughter’s act of kindness.
She also donated half of the $100 she won in a school raffle, organised by the Pembroke Rotary Club, to her WindReach fund after selling 260 tickets.
“I asked Shivya what she wanted to do for her birthday, and she said she would love to feed the animals [at WindReach] and go horse riding,” Ms Arun Konaru told Bernews.
“I said to her, ‘Rather than receiving gifts, would you like them to donate money to a charity?
“She said, ‘If I can feed the animals and ride a horse, great. I can only have so many toys!’
“WindReach was a perfect choice because Shivya could do a charitable act and see the animals. She will complete her birthday wish. WindReach was delighted and gave us a grocery list!”
Ms Arun Konaru, a member of the Eastern Lions Club, who donated $75 to the cause, said Shivya and her classmates met up to buy the groceries from Noah’s Ark food and supply store in Devonshire.
“Our family feel strongly about contributing to the community,” said Ms Arun Konaru, who moved to Bermuda eight years ago from Chennai, India. Her husband, Arun Konaru has lived on the island for 18 years.
“We created a WindReach donation box where parents and children could place their donations,” she added.
“I’m unsure whether all the children understood why they were putting money in the WindReach box!”
WindReach has thanked Shiyva for her selfless act and said her donation will towards the “ongoing health and well-being of its therapy animals.”
“We are always so deeply appreciative of all donations and gifts received,” a spokesperson said.
“But when they come from the simple, selfless act of children displaying generosity and community responsibility, we are reminded about the true intention of giving – love.
“Thank you, Shivya, for using your birthday to inspire others to think selflessly and community-first.”
