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HAY RIVER - Two Hay River girls have proven themselves to be super fundraisers.

Bryn Hill and Sara Gibbons, both nine, raised an impressive $1,066 during the summer for the Hay River Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Two young Hay River girls - Bryn Hill, left, and Sara Gibbons - raised more than $1,000 for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They are pictured with the Hill's family dog, Hope. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The best friends raised the money through an iced tea and lemonade stand.

"We wanted to raise money for all the animals who don't have homes and to get their shots," Bryn said.

She said the original goal was to raise $300, which was then upped to $600 before finally reaching more than $1,000.

As for why so many people supported their fundraising efforts, the girls have a couple of theories.

"They were thirsty," Sara said.

"And we're both cute," Bryn added.

Both are very pleased and excited with the amount of money they raised.

"I was surprised," said Sara.

The girls sold the drinks for 50 cents each.

"If someone gave us $20, we always asked if you wanted your change back," Bryn said with a laugh.

Some people didn't want change, while some others made a donation without taking a refreshment.

The two girls mostly sold the drinks in the Hill family's yard and in front of the family business, Hay River Bigway Foods, but also occasionally went to other locations in town.

With six of their friends they also organized a corporate challenge by selling refreshments at several Hay River businesses.

Bryn's mother, Tracy Hill, said the girls showed a lot of hard work and determination.

"It's actually unbelievable," she said. "It's amazing."

She said the girls were inspired to help the SPCA after the Hill family found a dog in need of medical care outside their business.

The family took the dog, Hope, to the SPCA, which sent it to Yellowknife for treatment.

Later, the family adopted Hope.

"We fell in love with her instantly," Tracy said.

She said it was natural for the two girls to raise money for the SPCA.

"They've really become the little animal activists since this began," she said.

Hill added people were very generous in helping the girls in the fundraising efforts.

Bryn and Sara both think they may raise more money for the SPCA next summer.

Sandy Whitteker, the president of the Hay River SPCA, said the girls' fundraising effort was wonderful.

"We love it when kids get involved like that," she said.

Whitteker added some children celebrating birthday parties ask people to bring donations to the SPCA, instead of gifts.