Arlington 9-year-old raises money for animals at risk in Australia. Here’s how to help.

The wildlife kingdom could use a few more friends like Aidan Klein.

After learning from his parents of the swarming fires sweeping across parts of Australia, the fourth-grader at Key Elementary in Arlington cried, as have many. Then, he dried his tears and set his mind on finding a way to help somehow.

But what can a 9-year-old do in such a devastating situation? Well, when you’re not only a caring person, but also a talented youngster, such as Aidan, it turns out there’s a lot that can be done.

Working with the group Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, Aidan has raised about $15,000 for the cause. The organization was founded by the family of the late Steve Irwin, also known as the Crocodile Hunter.

But Aidan isn’t just asking for help. Those who donate get something in return, made special by him, a hand-drawn picture of one of the animals in Australia he is working to rescue.

“I just love animals, and I do not want any of the Australian animals to go extinct,” Aidan said of the project, a first for he and his family.

As proof of his love for animals, Aidan has a turtle, two dogs, a cat, and a fish.

“If they will spend their money to help the animals, I want to give them something in return,” he said of the drawings.

Aidan said when he grows up he wants to be an artist, paleontologist, and a wildlife photographer. His favorite Australian animal is the koala bear, and his favorite animal overall is a squirrel because “they are cute, fuzzy, and have a bushy tail.”

“We are very proud of his heart and his desire to help,” said his mother, Emmy Klein, adding the family is scrambling to contact everyone who has donated so far — with more coming in daily.

“We never expected it to get this big. When Aidan first heard about the fires and how devastating it was to the wildlife — specifically koalas — he was visibly upset and desperate to help. Since he’s always loved to draw, we thought it would be nice to give a drawing of an Australian animal to anyone who would donate to the organization.

“I spoke to Aidan before setting up the fundraiser and reminded him that even if we didn’t reach his goal (of $100), that any money he raised would be a great gift and a reason to be thankful.”

They surpassed the goal in less than an hour. By the end of the first 24 hours they had raised over $1,000.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit Aidan’s donation Facebook page.

And just when it seems the donations are dwindling down, someone else comes forward, Emmy said. For example, the Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour recently told them they would host a special tour from which all proceeds will go toward Aidan and his fundraiser.

“We keep extending it, because more people keep reaching out to help,” Emmy said.

Aidan said a lot of his friends are also joining in to help. Also, his 4-year-old sister is enthusiastic about his project, Emmy said.

Some folks in Australia heard what Aidan is doing and sent him messages of thanks, Emmy said.

Aidan’s actions also drew the attention of folks at the Arlington Communications Commission, aka the Kindness Commission.

“The kindness commission is always on the lookout for extraordinary acts of kindness. I was invited to Aidan’s fundraiser by a friend on Facebook,” Kindness Commission Chairwoman Timi Hazle said. “What makes Aidan’s fundraiser unique is that he is 9 years old, and it’s obvious that the wildfires in Australia, even though they are around the world from Arlington, Texas, are breaking his heart and he wants to be part of the solution.

“I think many of us all wanted to donate money to help the wildfire relief, but we didn’t really know how or where. Aidan’s fundraiser provided us a place.”

Hazle said she was especially moved by Aidan sending his hand-drawn pictures to those who helped.

“Really, who wouldn’t want a hand-drawn koala from such a sweet kid?” she said. “I check Facebook every evening and tell my husband, ‘That kid’s donations are up to $5,000, $10,000 and so on. Remember the goal was $100. Amazing! Isn’t it heartwarming to know that there are kids in this world like Aidan?”

Hazle said the the Kindness Commission will be providing Aidan with a certificate from the City of Arlington, along with a #ArlingtonKINDNESS T-shirt, as well as inviting him and his family to the group’s awards ceremony in May.

“Overall, we are just blown away and humbled by the generosity of everyone who has donated. A few people have thanked Aidan for starting this fundraiser, because they were saddened by what was taking place, but didn’t know what they could do,” Aidan’s father, Brock Klein, said. “He provided them with a tangible way to help people across the globe. It’s truly a testament to what God can do with a willing heart.”