SAN DIEGO — Dr. Kwane Stewart, an Escondido street vet gained national attention by winning CNN 2023 Hero of the Year.
For more than a decade, he has provided medical care to pets of people experiencing homelessness.
He generously decided to split his $100,000 grand prize winnings with the other finalists.
“This part certainly wasn’t planned; the $100,000, I want to celebrate with all of you. It splits 10 ways nicely. It's my contribution to all of us. I'm honored to know you," said Dr. Stewart.
On Wednesday , that act of kindness came full circle when the San Diego Foundation donated $90,000 to Stewart’s non-profit, Project Street Vet.
"When it was announced he was CNN Hero of the Year, our hearts melted when he said he was going to split it with 9 other finalists. We thought how could we make it whole," said Mark Stuart with the San Diego Foundation.
"I just received $90,000 and yeah I was surprised, I was shocked ! I wasn’t expecting to get the money back and to have someone step forward so fast, it was so generous," said Stewart.
Dr. Stewart says the money will go towards medication for the animals and volunteer staff.
"I'm going to put it to good use right here in San Diego," said Stewart.
And as far as what’s next, he plans to expand Project Street Vet to more cities across the country to help even more pets living on the streets.
"I'm a very proud veterinarian. It took a lot of sacrifices to get here and if this is a dream of yours, there is a pathway for you," said Stewart.
Project Street Vet is heavily funded by your donations. If you would like to donate, click here.
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