Animal lovers Ava Franklin and Lilah Policicchio are hosting their second charity kids horse camp this spring break, with proceeds going to Mike Hopcraft and his Wild Education to help him and his rescue reptiles secure a new location.
The spring break camps will be held on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you have an animal-loving child this is the camp for them, said Franklin. The two young women have many activities planned including horseback riding, grooming, crafts, scavenger hunts and even cow riding.
They will have horses, cows, pigs and chickens for children to learn about on Policicchio’s family ranch Sibling Rivalry in Okanagan Falls.
“Lilah and I absolutely love planning events and giving back to rescues who need our help,” said Franklin.
The Penticton women, who work at Total Pet together, have 15-plus years of horse experience and both have horses of their own.
They chose Wild Education because they believe in what they are doing, educating people about the world of reptiles.
They volunteered at his recent shows in Penticton during the Family Day long weekend.
“We all absolutely love what he does. We are all reptile lovers here and know how expensive they can be,” said Franklin. “They took in 132 rescues last year and they are the biggest reptile rescue in Western Canada.”
But Hopcraft has until July to secure a new location to house all his animals.
Ava and Lilah held a bake sale on Valentine’s Day for him. They raised $1,800.
They are currently planning another petting zoo for April with proceeds going to Wild Education.
This isn’t the first time they’ve raised money for a local animal centre.
Last year, they raised $10,000 for the newly founded Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre that takes in small mammals including injured birds.
“We raised the $10,000 through many fundraisers such as a petting zoo, car show, bake sale, lemonade stand, horse bathing, a kids horse camp,” said Franklin last year.
The cost for this year’s spring break horse camp is $250 per child or $400 for two children, both days are included in the cost. If you have issues with the cost, message them to discuss. As this is a charity event, they are flexible, said Franklin.
To register for the camp, text 905-580-4472.
