Girl Scout launches donation drive to support guinea pig rescue, pet education

Submitted by the City of North Tonawanda

Buffalo Guinea Pig Mafia Rescue has a new animal rescue advocate – and she’s only 10 years old.

Kelsey Kowalski lives in North Tonawanda and is currently working on her Bronze Award for Girl Scouts. As part of earning this prestigious award, Kelsey needed to create a project that would benefit her community.

A long-time guinea pig owner, Kelsey and her mom, Regis, discovered the Buffalo Guinea Pig Mafia Rescue on Facebook.

“It seemed like the perfect fit. I wanted to help bring awareness to guinea pigs as pets and help support the rescue, because proper care is important,” Kelsey said.

Kelsey’s mom couldn’t agree more: “Kelsey’s love of animals has always been so strong and incredible. Girl Scouts is all about helping your community, so she knew she had to bring awareness to the rescue and the over 100 guinea pigs they are caring for."

Mayor Austin, TylecKelsey and Chris P. Bacon. (Submitted photo)

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Kelsey has big plans for her project. She’s currently coordinating a supply drive for the rescue “so that all of the piggies have what they need.” She will also be visiting local farmers markets and hopes to spread the word about her project on local television stations as well.

“I want to help the piggies find forever homes through my project,” she said.

Donation drop off locations can be found at Kitty Korner in Tonawanda, Craftopia 716 in North Tonawanda, and the North Tonawanda city hall. Sunny's Natural Pet Market in Tonawanda is also offering 20% off all purchases on supplies to be donated.

For now, Kelsey is visiting the rescue every chance she gets to cuddle with her new best friend: Chris P. Bacon, a guinea pig that was found abandoned in a cold house in Buffalo and brought to the Buffalo Guinea Pig Mafia Rescue. She plans on adopting him “because every piggy deserves a home.”

To support Kelsey and her Bronze Award project, visit the Buffalo Guinea Pig Mafia’s Facebook page.