Mia is passionate about animal welfare. In November 2018, Mia organised and ran a market stall to raise awareness about Puppy Farming and to raise money to help animals in need at the RSPCA.

Mia has completed a number of projects on animal welfare, and spoken to her school at an assembly about animal welfare issues.

Q&A with Mia

What school do you attend? How old are you?

I am 13 years old, almost 14. I am in year 8.

When did you become an RSPCA Junior Ambassador?

I became an RSPCA Junior Ambassador in early 2019, when I was in year six.

Why were you nominated to be an RSPCA Junior Ambassador?

I ran a stall at the Kyilla markets. I raised awareness about puppy farming and the RSPCA’s incredible work, and made over $200.

What do you love about helping animals?

I have always loved all animals from a young age - especially dogs - and being able to make a difference is incredible!

What types of animals have you helped?

I rescued both my cats, Daisy and Stripes, from Cat Haven - they had been street cats with no mum to look after them. Hopefully, with the fundraisers I have held, I’ve been able to help make difference to the welfare of animals, especially dogs in puppy farms, and help the animals the RSPCA cares for.

What’s the best thing about being a Junior Ambassador?

Being able to actually help and make a difference to the welfare of animals in WA! If I wasn’t a JA, I don’t think I’d be able to help as much as I do now. As well as that, being a JA means that I get experience most people don’t get - handling money, communicating with people, and other life skills that will be really helpful later in life.

Do you have a favourite RSPCA event to volunteer, fundraise for or be involved with?

I love all of the events, and always try to take part - the million paws walk, cupcake day, happy tails day, and everything else. I think one of my favourites was Cupcake Day last year - I raised over $500, and I got to eat lots of delicious treats that were leftover!

In your role as an RSPCA Junior Ambassador, how do you educate others about correct animal care?

Every year in summer, I put out Dogs Die in Hot Cars leaflets to educate the community about the dangers of leaving your dog alone in a car. It’s surprising how many people don’t understand how dangerous this is! I also held an information stall (and hope to hold another one this year) where I gave out flyers such as the Smart Puppy Buyers Guide and the Dogs Die in Hot Cars leaflets.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently holding a fundraiser called ‘knit and crochet for the RSPCA’. I am asking people to knit, crochet or sew blankets for the RSPCA shelter, which they can then donate to go into the running for one of seven craft-related prizes. The donation box is in Flinders Square.

Later this year, I hope to hold a more successful cupcake day, an outdoor movie night, a couple more crochet stalls (I held one last year which was really successful), and a lot of other fundraisers. I’m hoping to make this year my most successful year yet!

Do you have any pets of your own?

I have four pets, two cats and two dogs - both my cats, Daisy and Stripes, are 6-year-old rescues from Cat Haven, Coco is a 2-year-old Cavoodle, and Charlie is a 16-week-old Dachshund.

What study/job do you want to do after you finish school?

I have always wanted to be a veterinary surgeon, but I also want to run my own animal shelter for dogs and cats. Really, I just want to make as big a difference in animal lives as I can.

 

Meet the other Junior Ambassadors