See How This Student Used Art to Raise $1,500 for Animals in Shelters

Posted by Bridget on December 19, 2024

Chen Xi He, 16, is a high school student who understands the power of using one’s unique talents to advocate for animals. She combined her incredible artistic abilities with her passion for helping others to organize an art show to raise funds for animals in shelters. 🎨👏

We asked Chen why organizing the fundraiser was important to her, and she said, “I think animals are one of the most vulnerable demographics. Many of the animals I drew were waiting to be adopted. I thought if I drew the animals and brought attention to the shelter, people would be interested in adopting them.”

Millions of cats and dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every single year. Tens of millions more live on the streets and never even make it into an animal shelter—there just aren’t enough homes for them all. 😔 This is why if you’re ready to introduce an animal into your life, you should always adopt, and never not shop for them. When you buy an animal from a breeder or a pet store, a homeless animal misses out on the chance to be part of a family. Then another animal will be bred to replace the one you bought.  It’s a never-ending cycle of misery.

“I think teens need to use their specific talents to draw attention to the needs of animals in their community. They can draw, dance, write, play music, etc. to raise money and awareness. Animal shelters are underfunded so volunteering and hosting events that bring attention to these shelters are very much appreciated.”

Chen is a perfect example of how we can use our voices, pens, and other creative mediums to advocate for animals and tell their stories, which are often hidden from the public. When asked what her favorite part of organizing the art show was, she said, “taking orders of animals [who] had passed [away], seeing the elated faces of the people who came to collect the portrait was very heartwarming.”

Our animal companions are members of the family—they’re unique, feeling individuals with their own personalities, wants, and needs. What a beautiful gift Chen is sharing by honoring a companion animal’s memory through art after they pass away. 💙

For Chen’s dedication to putting compassion into action by organizing an art show to raise funds for animals in shelters, peta2 is presenting her with our Hero to Animals award. 🐶🐱

“Make sure to appreciate the [companion animals] you have if you have any! You have many more years than them so use the extra time to help other animals like them.”

We couldn’t agree more, Chen! Companion animals rely on us for every aspect of their lives—when and what they eat, whom they interact with, what enrichment they have to entertain themselves, even when and where they are allowed to relieve themselves.

Dogs long to run, sniff, play with other dogs, and mark their territory. Cats yearn to scratch, climb, perch, and play. As responsible animal guardians, we must give them the opportunity to satisfy their natural needs and desires and dedicate plenty of time be there for them.

Here’s How You Can Be a Hero to Animals, Too

Looking for ways to help animals? You could host a fundraiser at your school for a local animal shelter, promote sterilization, support the passage of laws that require responsible animal guardianship, or just spread the word about why people should adopt animals—not shop for them.

Are you an artist using your medium to inspire positive change for animals? Show us your ‘artivism’! Tag us on IG (@peta2) so we can repost it or e-mail your work to [email protected] for a chance to be featured.