The Alberta SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is running a contest to find young people doing good things for animals.

Students can enter themselves or someone else, by describing how the subject has made a difference by showing kindness to animals. The act can be as simple as rescuing a stray cat or returning a baby bird to its nest – or might be something that has had a major impact on the community or country.

“We want to find out who’s doing good things for animals so we can acknowledge and reward them for their efforts,” said Tim Battle, the Alberta SPCA’s director of education. “They serve as powerful role models that can counteract the negative stories we often hear on the news.”

Entries for the contest, which runs until March 27, can be submitted in essay, PowerPoint, animation or video format, and are open to Alberta students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Complete contest information, entry forms and winners of past contests can be found at www.albertaspca.org/contest.

Teachers are encouraged to submit their students’ entries, but youth may also enter on their own. Prizes consist of $100 cash and a pizza dinner from Pizza 73. 

In addition, entries will be featured on the Alberta SPCA website, www.albertaspca.org, and in upcoming publications. Every teacher who sends in a class entry will receive a certificate of appreciation for their classroom.