Parker Whitehouse is the president and founder of Animal Advocates, which all started with the desire to gain more volunteer hours for graduation. During the fall, Parker, eager to obtain more service hours searched for opportunities at local animal shelters. Once she volunteered, she loved the feeling it gave her and wanted to spread that feeling to other students at Hingham High. Parker knew other students would also love the opportunity to help out animals in shelters so she decided to reach out to the service club. She noticed that there was no other animal club in the high school so she promoted her club idea as a fun way to get people together.
Animal Advocates helps animals nearby that are without homes or resources. Parker says, “Our group would love to provide animals with love, food, toys, bedding, and whatever else is helpful.” Parker is motivated to help animals in need and bring attention to the local shelters that would benefit from help.
Every month the club tends to host an event rather than a meeting as a way to get the club hands on! They club also does a monthly visit to the Scituate Animal Shelter. These visits and attending the club meetings count towards service hours. Volunteering at the shelter looks like playing around with cats which can impact them greatly as they tend to spend a lot of time inside their cages. At the shelter there is also opportunities to help the staff with organization and cleaning!
The club likes to be hands on, making homemade toys to be sent out to animals in shelters or foster homes. Most events involve cuddling and playing with cats or dogs. Their mission is to stay connected with their local community by directly being in contact with Scituate Animal Shelter and trying to best make these animals lives better even if its just with new blankets and toys.
Animal Advocates treasurer Gabby Richton says, “Animal Advocates is to spread awareness about the animals in shelters along with helping them find homes! In the club we go to near by animal shelters and volunteer there to help! It is so fun and I highly recommend this club to anyone!” Gabby helps manage the clubs balance and help fund and budget for future events.
Vice President Vivien Nicholas explains, “As a club we love to bring awareness to different animals especially those in shelters. We volunteer at shelters when we can, primarily working with cats and dogs. We hope to continue to grow the club, including its members as we give animals a second chance!”
Secretary Kristi Fickes says, “I help manage our events and work together with the rest or the board to plan events like our regular volunteer opportunities with Scituate Animal Shelter. I love this club because it’s such a fun opportunity to spend time with animals and make a positive impact in our community.”
If you are interested in joining Animal Advocates use the google classroom code: mn66blz2 and email: 28pwhitehouse@hinghamschools.org with any questions!
