Orlando Boy Wins PETA Award for Collecting Food for Animals in Need

PETA Thanks 9-Year-Old for Thinking of Animals During Tough Times 

For Immediate Release:
December 30, 2009

Contact:
Kate Brindle 757-622-7382

Orlando, Fla. -- When young Zach Wilson learned that down-on-their-luck residents of central Florida were being forced to give up their dogs and cats because they couldn't afford to buy food for their animal companions, he imagined having to say goodbye to his own dog, and he knew that he had to do something. For creating the Central Florida Animal Pantry, Zach has earned a "One Can Make a Difference Award" from PETA.

The award takes its name from PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk's 2008 book One Can Make a Difference. The book is a compilation of more than 50 original, thought-provoking essays written by a variety of people, from Willie Nelson and Mickey Rourke to His Holiness The Dalai Lama to "everyday heroes" who have had a positive impact on the world.

"We congratulate Zach for remembering animals in these hard economic times," says Newkirk. "Whenever times are bad for people, it's likely that animals are even worse off, so Zach's activism is all the more vital."

Zach will receive a thank-you card signed by PETA staffers, vegan chocolates, a framed certificate, and a copy of Newkirk's book 50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.