Published: July 14, 2016
The Carson Foundation has donated more than $2,000 to match a penny drive organized by the student council at Carson City-Crystal Lower Elementary for a fellow student to purchase a service dog. Mason Burns was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that makes everyday tasks difficult, such as getting out of bed and opening doors. To improve his physical and emotional quality of life, the aid of a service dog was recommended, but with a price tag of $12,000 the school’s student council stepped in to help.
“I try to keep our student council projects local for the most part so that the students are able to see what their hard work can do for others. These are an amazing bunch of kids who even adults should look at as role models for how we should help others and treat everyone with kindness,” said Tiffany Ryan, Carson City-Crystal Lower Elementary second grade teacher.
In total, the school raised $13,288 toward the purchase of Spider, a Dutch Shepherd service dog from Cher Car Kennels. The excess funds will go toward Spider’s vet bills.
“Even though Mason’s peers are very young, they stepped up to make a difference with the penny drive. Providing a match donation showed these young students that every penny does matter to someone in need,” said Shelly Weaver, Carson Foundation Executive Director.
For more information about the Carson Foundation, contact Shelly Weaver at 989.584.0979 or shelly.weaver@sparrow.org.