Giving back to others is always good, but when you can give back to both animals and children, that is even better! Local humanitarian, Agnes Barrelet, is doing just that by heading up two non-profits, Hands United for Children and Children’s Nature Retreat.
The Children’s Nature Retreat in Alpine is a haven for all kinds of animals, including two zebras, four Friesian horses, African cows, mules, donkeys, rabbits, mini horses, goats and pigs, ostriches, and desert tortoises, etc. There are over 95 domesticated livestock with 17 species and 38 breeds from around the world. They all live comfortably on this beautiful 20 acre property.
One thing that struck me was how friendly most of the animals are which makes this place especially suitable for children. Barrelet opened this place in February 2017, with the goal of providing a place in the countryside where city- especially inner city- children can come and experience the beauty that nature has to offer as well as interact with the animals and learn all about them. She wants them to feel a connection that will last. CNR is working with local schools and organizations to help fund free field trips for schools and children that normally would not be able to pay for them.
This is where United Hands for Children comes in. This non-profit strives to help children in many ways. First, it helps to fund the field trips and bring joy into the lives of underprivileged children. Second, it opened the HUFC Dental Clinic on the campus of the O’Farrell Charter School in Southeast San Diego. The clinic will serve the children, who attend this charter school, free of charge. Barrelet is on the school board.
To read more of Mimi Pollack's article, please click here.
Comments (0)