Earlier this month, a group of grade 7 and 8 students from International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) organized a Walk for Rescues Fundraiser where they dressed up in animal costumes and walked 3km around the school track on campus.

Why animal costumes, you ask? Why because the fundraiser was in honor of local animal rescue group Furry Tales!

The students had hoped to raise at least RMB 5,000 for the expat-led charity, and they far exceeded their goal! They had to overcome the daunting challenges of soliciting donations in person. 12-year-old Charis Chiu said that “it was uncomfortable to ask for money” but that just had to summon the courage to approach them and explain to the people what the money was going to be used for, all while putting on her cutest smile. Clearly, it worked!

Animal rescue is a familiar issue for students Ariel Wang, Jingmae Cramsie, and Julia Jaskulska, who were key players in this successful fundraiser. All three have their own rescue pets who have been in their families for years now. Other students in the class who did not have their own pets still share a common affection for all things furry, which was why the students decided on supporting the cause of animal rescue, after considering several different charitable causes.

Ariel Wang (13) with her rescue dog Ben

Jingmae Cramsie (13) with her rescue dog Dakota

Julia Jaskulska (12) with her 4 rescue cats

Moving forward, the students are keen to continue organizing fundraising events. Grade 7/8 Lead Teacher Kristen Fraser had said that “We would like to continue to support Furry Tales as it is a local charity, and we can see the real difference it makes in Beijing. For our next fundraising event we are thinking of doing an Art Auction.” We wholeheartedly support the students in their charitable ambitions and can’t wait to see what they come up with next time!

KEEP READING: Furry Tales: Introducing Beijing’s Latest Pet Rescue Group

Images: Courtesy of MSB

This week International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) and Roundabout Charity Store’s have teamed up to offer a charity book sale event. It will be held from Saturday, 22 March until Saturday, 29 March (excluding Sunday, 23 March) at MSB, from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, and during the school hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday.

Those attending on the morning of the opening day can purchase goodies prepared by the MSB Parents’ Association at a charity bake sale.

Roundabout would like to thank it’s volunteers who have been busy sorting books and working hard hard behind the scenes to make the event possible.

Kids books start from as little as RMB 1, and adults books from RMB 10.

100% of proceeds from the sale will be used to help children in need. Previous fairs have fairs have saved and changed the lives of many children.

 Photo courtesy of Roundabout.