Local boy raises funds for Just Us for the Animals

PUNXSUTAWNEY — It has been said that people should “be the change they want to see in the world.” Well, 10-year-old Brylan Kunselman took that saying to heart, and has been running on the treadmill the last two years to raise money for Just Us for the Animals.

Brylan said he learned about animal shelters in his social studies class at school, and this had a profound effect on him. He said he wanted to help and created the fundraiser to do just that.

“I run on the treadmill and people can donate however much they want to give to the shelters,” he said.

He said last year he was able to run 27 miles, but was only able to run 18.95 miles due to being under the weather during the time of the run, which lasted from Nov. 1-14, with Brylan trying to get in at least one mile per day.

He said he raised $1,709.15 this year, with the total for the two years coming close to $2,300.

He said he personally gave the money to Lynn Porada of Just Us for the Animals.

Brylan said it makes him feel good to help so many animals with his efforts. His mom, Cammi Kunselman, said he received a lot of support from the community and said she is very proud of his efforts.

“I’m very proud of him. It’s a tough world, and I’m trying to raise kids that go out and do good, be the good. I’m very proud of him. He has a big heart,” Kunselman said.

He said he plans on doing the fundraiser again next year.

“I want people to know that they can do good things, and it’s easy to do them,” he said.

His mom agreed and said people shouldn’t be scared to do good because of their age.

“You’re never too young to do good things,” she said.

She said next year, Brylan wants to beat what he made last year. He said he is hoping to make $2,000.