Instead of asking for gifts, eight-year-old Nate Leskiw recently chose to donate his birthday money to help animals in need at a local shelter.
Leskiw asked each of his friends attending his birthday party to bring $5 to be donated to Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation.
Kim Hessel, Founder of Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation, received an email from Leskiw’s mother, Amelia, explaining what Nate had done.
“Nate did this on his own as part of his little birthday party,” Hessel said. “Instead of giving a gift, he asked each of his friends attending to bring $5 to give to a charity of his choice, and because he loves animals so much, it was Heaven Can Wait.”
Nate first learned about the work Heaven Can Wait does through a One School One Book project.
Amelia explained that they came up with the idea of a "Fiver" Birthday party together.
"We talked about what to do for his birthday and this idea made the most sense. He was on board right away and took no time in picking a charity that helped animals," she said. "It made sense to me as he was loved animals since he was a baby. He wants to be a zoo keeper when he grows up, so Heaven Can Wait made total sense."
After the party, Nate donated $75 to the foundation, which will go towards food, veterinary care, and cleaning supplies.
“Even $75, honestly, helps. That's a trip to Costco for some paper towels and Mr. Clean,” Hessel said. “It's always appreciated.”
Before the pandemic, Hessel explained that it was common for youth to donate funds from their birthday parties or collect supplies for the rescue.
“After COVID, when everyone was more isolated and not in that same frame, we really saw a drop in that,” she said. “It was so lovely to see Nate come in after quite a long time of not having kids wanting to do something like this.”
Hessel added that she was blown away by the unselfishness Nate showed.
“To have him do that, follow it through, talk to his friends and get them to commit, that's something pretty important,” she said.
Although Nate doesn't have any pets currently, he is saving his money in hopes of getting a family dog soon.