APEX, N.C. — A local nonprofit vet clinic that serves hundreds of state shelters is getting some much-needed help, but the reason might surprise you.
Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic launched the Brooklyn Mae Pet Rescue Fund this week.
It’s a program designed to honor Brooklyn Mae Carroll, a 10-year-old Wake County girl killed this summer when she was hit by a boat on Harris Lake.
When you enter the Apex clinic, you’re met with a small, decorative, handcrafted box.
Next to it is a picture of Carroll, bright-eyed and full of hope and optimism.
The executive director of the clinic, Ericka Basile, said Carroll’s parents gave a donation from the earnings their daughter made from her lemonade stand.
They had a request on their daughter’s behalf to use that money for the animals.
“Her parents actually came very, very soon after and donated. Brought this box in which Brooklyn Mae raised $30 (at) a lemonade stand the week before,” Basile said.
“We all wanted to band together and help them keep her memory alive, because this is something that was close to her heart,” she said.
Related: 2 accused in deadly Harris Lake boat crash charged with 2nd degree murder
Basile said she has two children and hearing about Carroll’s story and her passions affected her greatly.
“I mean, 10 years old, she wants to help pets. She might have even grown up to be a veterinarian here and help us,” Basile said.
The clinic created the pet rescue fund with the family’s blessing.
The clinic’s plan is to turn the $30 donation into $30,000 by securing 1,000 donations of $30.
The money raised will go toward medical care and veterinary services for cats and dogs throughout the state.
‘We’re not going to forget her. And all of these animals that are being helped, they’re not going to forget her either,” Basile said. “They don’t even know her, but somehow, out there in the universe, everyone knows it and they’re going to know each other.”
The clinic will get a plaque made in Carroll’s honor. That way, her spirit, good heart and effort will never be forgotten,” Basile said.
Jatrissa Wooten
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