One would expect a high school learner to enjoy his December holidays that started early since exams have ended; instead, a certain Grade 10 learner spent several hours inside a cage to raise awareness for animal captivity and abuse.
Nicholas Hughes, a learner at Pearson High School, recently offered up his Saturday and spent 12 hours in a cage, from 09:00 until 21:00.
Through this initiative, he not only managed to raise awareness about animals in cages and their lack of stimulation and will to live, but also raised money for the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Nicholas said that he was given this opportunity by his drama teacher and grabbed it with both hands.
“I jumped right at it as I care dearly for animals and I’m not afraid to put myself in difficult situations. We were given the opportunity to go to the bathroom every hour for five minutes but didn’t really use those breaks.
“My main goal was to raise awareness and I think I did somewhat of a good job.
“A lot of people were shocked when they heard what I had done and the media has taken note of it,” he said.
When asked how he felt about this feat, Nicholas said that he felt rather accomplished.
“It has to help the community, as I have raised a bit of money for the AACL, but maybe I have also opened people’s eyes to the reality of what a lot animals live through.
“Personally, it was a life changing experience for me and my whole view of animals seeking stimulation and freedom,” he added.
Nicholas, who is the owner of two cats, aged 17 and three years, that he loves dearly, encouraged others to do the same to raise awareness of animals in cages.
“Go for it. Anything may seem daunting but until you actually do it you will never really know. This could very well bring about a drastic change in our society and environment. Get yourself out in the world and make the change. I was always told, ‘If you see a problem, make it your problem and fix the problem’”.
The AACL’s Linda-Louise Swain said that they greatly appreciate the fact that Nicholas had come to the party and had doned the cage-sitting for 12 hours for the AACL.
“This is appreciated especially since the Grade 10s are already on holiday and he is devoting one of those precious days to this cause.
“He is a lovely young man who obviously cares greatly for animals and wanted to take on the challenge. We are proud of him,” she said.
Should anyone still like to add to his pledge, this can be done by contacting Hilary via WhatsApp on 083 635 6995. Any donations in support of this initiative can also be gifted to the animals.
“From all of us at AACL, we salute you, Nicholas – and would like to thank Megan Kelly [who started the initiative] for this wonderful opportunity to support the animal groups,” Swain said.
