Spalding Club Spiffs Up Animal Care Room

Father George Cerniglia (from left), Interior Design director Joan Riggs, Chaminade board of regents chairwoman Kathleen Wo and husband Ronald "Buzz" Wo and Brother Bernard Ploeger stand before a newly unveiled plaque, marking the Dec. 27 receipt of a $150,000 Leadership Gift from the Wos. The donation is an endowed gift for the newly renovated interior design laboratories at Chaminade University, which is the only Hawaii university to offer a bachelor's degree in interior design. Photo from Kapono Ryan.

Put kids and kitties together and you get some special community service.

Hawaii Kai’s Animal Care Foundation, in Suite 105 at 6650 Hawaii Kai Drive, partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Honolulu recently to spice up its barren kitten room with some colorful murals.

About 10 youths from the Spalding Clubhouse were involved in the Feb. 23 project.

“The kids have been working on their own designs and concepts, which include respect and being different and accepted,” said adoptions and events coordinator Robyn Washousky.

“The clubhouse approached us about coming to help care for the animals and volunteer. With such a large group, we wanted to find a project that would have an impact on them, and on us as well.”

And the kittens now look that much cuter to community patrons, surrounded by keiki art.

The nonprofit foundation promotes animal rights and supports rescue as well as veterinary care. All donations are used to help animals in need and at risk.

For more information, call 396-3333.