Posted: March 2, 2009, 5 a.m. EST
Ian Cahr, an 8-year-old boy from Chicago, Ill., grabbed the attention of the American Humane Association for his efforts to raise more than $10,000 to help dogs. As the grand prize winner of the organization’s 2008 Be Kind to Animals Week Kid Contest, Ian serves as an example of what the annual initiative seeks to promote.
Now the public can nominate a new young person for the 2009 contest, either online or postmarked between March 1 and April 15. Grand prize winners each get $1,000 and will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 3 through 9.
The annual event began in 1915 to recognize and promote compassion, empathy, and the bond between people and animals. A highlight of the week is the youth contest, which honors children and teens who strive to make a difference for dogs and cats.
Nominees must be between the ages of 6 to 17, and be working hard in their communities to improve animal welfare. Candidates will be split into two age groups: 6 to 12 and 13 to 17.
Contest rules and nomination forms are available at American Humane’s website.