Retired Educator Brings Lessons of Social Responsibility to The Classroom and Community

Sept. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Contact:  Kristy Gilbraith                                  
Telephone: 312-574-0019
Email: raeproject@gmail.com

Debra Wiggins, retired educator, and founder of Rescue, Adopt, and Educate Project, better known as R.A.E. Project, announced the launch of the non-profit organization Friday, September 24, 2010.  R.A.E. Project is the first non-profit organization of its kind in Tulsa County, marrying animal abuse prevention with an education model that fosters self-esteem and social responsibility in school age students, while helping to develop platform and presentation skills via R.A.E. Project community outreach programs.

“Animals are an integral part of emotional development, which is why they're considered a therapeutic option for nursing homes to programs focused on autism, and beyond” said Debra Wiggins, who in addition to being an educator, and the founder of R.A.E. Project, is also a certified guidance counselor.

Wiggins goes on to say, “The truth of the matter is there is a huge problem in Tulsa County with abandoned animals, as well as their over-population.  This number is relative to the number of animals being euthanized, which  equates to one cat or dog every 1.5 seconds.  So, if we educate the community through the voice of young people, we accomplish a couple things. The first is we raise the level of consciousness by advocating on behalf of mistreated animals.  These animals don’t have voices, so we are their voice.  The second, is when you raise the conscience you create a movement.  R.A.E. Project’s tag line is “Be a R.A.E. of hope to forgotten animals”, and that is what we wish to accomplish while also creating positive opportunities for students by building them up through their participation”.

R.A.E. Project plans to not only work with Tulsa County schools and community programs, but also will host a variety of events to build awareness as well as raise money for local animal shelters that depend solely on private donations for operational costs, such as food and supplies.

“It is a joy to be able to combine my love of animals with my passion for educating our youth!” Wiggins said.

# # #

About R.A.E. Project: R.A.E. Project is a non-profit organization with a primary focus on educating the public about animal rescue and population control. R.A.E. was founded September 2010, by retired educator and guidance counselor, Debra Wiggins. To have your school or organization participate in an outreach program, or to learn more visit www.theraeproject.org.

If you’d like to receive a press kit or to schedule an interview with Debra Wiggins, contact Kristy Gilbraith at 312-574-0019 or email raeproject@gmail.com.