Benefit Attention, Kickball Teams: Compete and Support Clinton Community
In Clinton, a tragic incident unfolded on Valentine’s Day which saw a local boy viciously attacked by a pack of wild dogs as he was heading to his school bus stop. While the physical scars will eventually heal, the long road to emotional recovery is just beginning for the youngster known as Red and his family.
Bridging the Gap with Kickball
To aid the family and cover their growing expenses related to Red’s recovery, a kickball tournament is being organized in Clinton this coming weekend. The tournament promises fun competition for kickball teams while supporting a noble cause.
With heartrendingly tragic circumstances propelling him into the spotlight, Red is fighting his way back to health with remarkable resilience and the support of an entire community rallying behind him. His ordeal began when a pack of wild dogs chased him down, leaving him with over 60 puncture wounds, including a severe injury in his left hamstring which required the use of a wound vac.
Supporting in Solidarity
A GoFundMe page set up in the wake of the attack has elicited immense support from all corners of the world. Julia Jupie Bluford, a family friend organizing the fundraiser, shared the details of the harrowing incident and requested assistance for Amy Lowe, Red’s mother, a single mom of five children who is expected to be absent from work during Red’s recovery. With an initial goal of $10,000, the fundraiser surpassed $64,484 in less than a week, demonstrating the widespread empathy and support for the small-town family.
One well-wisher from Melbourne, Australia, pledged support all the way from down under. Donna Stolzenberg sent her love, prayers, and offered to send a Koala bear or a Kangaroo toy for Red to cuddle as he recovers.
Aiming for a Safe Haven
The horrifying incident also puts the spotlight on Clinton’s Animal Control measures. There’s an urgent need for intensified efforts to ensure the safety of the locals from such dangers. An immediate concern is whether Clinton city and Laurens County should continue to rely solely on Laurens County’s Animal Control office for protection against such lurid incidents.
With fast-paced urbanization and a reduced natural habitat for wild animals, the balance is jarring. It has been observed that the destruction of their natural habitats leads wild animals to venture into human settlements. The incident is a chilling reminder that the city needs to examine its town planning, specifically in the vicinity of Clinton Mill where the ruins could be providing a safe haven for the wild dogs.
Coming Together for Red
On the brighter side, in an outpouring of empathy and solidarity, the city of Clinton, its residents, and the larger global community stand united in their support for Red and his family. The Clinton Little Devils football and cheerleading organization took to social media to share the GoFundMe page, making their motto of ‘we take care of our own’ truly resound in the city.
As Red bravely battles the aftermath of his ordeal, the spotlight rests on the coming kickball tournament, anticipating generous participation from Clinton’s kickball teams and beyond. The event not only represents a chance to compete and have fun, but also demonstrates the power of community resilience and solidarity amidst adversity.
