Sophia Smoke posing with her stuffies available for adoption 

Grade 5 student Sophia Smoke is wise beyond her years and inspires her parents Joan and Donnie to also give back to the community. “I've only had 3 birthdays out of 10 where I've gotten presents from my friends,” explains local philanthropist Sophia. For the remaining 7 birthdays, including her tenth, she asked for donations instead of presents. These acts of kindness allow Sophia to help numerous charities including Portage Animal Welfare Society, Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, Spirit of Hope, Siloam Mission, Christian Children's Fund and more. Her recent “adopt-a-stuffie” campaign raised a whopping $420, which will be split between Manitoba Underdogs and Portage Animal Welfare Society. Sophia presented the cheque to PAWS at their adoption open house Wednesday between 5-7 at the Animal Adoption Centre, 121 12th Street NW. 

Sophia explains how her adopt-a-stuffie campaign began: 

 

 

Sophia and her family also chose to help families in need by providing an income rather than a donation: 

 

 

If we all can foster an ounce of Sophia's spirit, our community will be a better and more caring place. Sophia hopes  "other people can do this". She asks, "What if you didn't have a home? Think of that. What if you were hungry all the time? Think of that. All of these animals are suffering and need help".