11-year-old launches charity for animals

SANTA will give Emmett Withers an extra big tick on his good list this year.

Emmett Withers speaks up to raise food donations for pets in need through his charity Emmett 4 Animals Christmas Pet Food Collection 2015, with the support of Lions Club of Mackay Northern Beaches Seaview Doug Petersen. . Picture: Louise Starkey

SANTA will give Emmett Withers an extra big tick on his good list this year.

The 11-year-old launched his first charity, Emmett 4 Animals, earlier this week; and is set to raise food donations for those without a voice: homeless pets.

The heart-of-gold pre-teen first started to collect food donations for shelters, such as the Mackay Animal Rescue Society, the RSPCA and Animal Rescue Queensland, when he was in preparatory school.

The idea came to him when he looked upon the gloomy animals at the pound years ago, and wanted to help in some way.

Emmett started to gather pet food donations, and reached one and a half tonnes last year.

He aimed to collect two and a half tonnes this year, in his seventh year running.

"I would like to collect one hundred trillion tonnes one day," he said.

"I don't think people understand how many animals are in need, until they see them first hand. The shelter is always full; the pound is always full.

"Some jump around their cages, and scrape with their claws to get out as you walk past; others just hide in the corner. "It's disheartening to see."

To kickstart his drive, Emmett has already received a pile-full of donations from the community. He has also been backed by the Mackay Northern Beaches Seaview Lions Club, including member Doug Petersen.

Donations bins can be found at the Whitsunday Anglican School; Woolworths Supermarket, Mount Pleasant; Marlins Swim Centre; Pert, Perry and Evans at Mount Pleasant and on Nebo Rd; Pet Cafe, Kay Court; and the Good Sheppard Lodge, until December 18.

Originally published as 11-year-old launches charity for animals