by Reagan Lee
I love baking. I also love animals. The question that I think about all the time is, “How can I combine my passion for cooking with my will to help animals?”
I know I want to be a veterinarian in the future. I came to this conclusion after volunteering at dog shelters learning how to care for dogs, and after researching the state of animal welfare by interviewing staff at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
I also know that I want to continue to bake. So, to combine these two loves, I used my skills to make delicious baked goods, sold them and donated the proceeds to animal causes. This way, I get to contribute, use my passions and share them with others, humans and animals.
Last year, I hosted a cookie workshop and taught the participants how to make my well-liked cookies. Because it’s also a way to raise funds for animal welfare, it is a way to bring people together for a cause. I visualise a fun and relaxing atmosphere where people can learn new baking skills while enjoying their time together with their family and other people. Each cookie we made represents a step toward making a difference in an animal’s life, and everyone feels great knowing they are contributing to something meaningful. Plus, who can resist a nice, delicious cookie?
Alongside cookie workshops, I also actively take part in charity markets. My first market was in 2023. It was nerve-racking as it was my first time selling my cookies in public. Fortunately, I successfully sold all the cookies and raised 2,000 Hong Kong dollars, which I donated to an organisation called “520dogsupport”. In 2025 alone, I’ve made over 100 cheesecakes and 800 pieces of nougats, which have raised over 10,000 dollars as a donation to the SPCA! Although it was a lot of hard work, I enjoyed the whole process. The thought of being able to save animals kept pushing me forward, which became my never-give-up spirit. ■
Reagan, 13, is a student from South Island School who loves playing sports, exploring new cooking recipes and challenging herself. Her favourite activities are swimming, baking and helping animals. She shares her baking experiences and love for animals on her Instagram account “relovedwecare” to raise public awareness.