Money-saving rabbit visits Aviano children

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Just when you thought rabbits only ate carrots and lettuce and lived in a garden, a money-saving rabbit named Sammy hopped onto the door step of Aviano Air Base. 

Sammy, the 'Get in the Habit Rabbit,' visited more than 700 children at the Aviano Elementary School Oct. 9 and taught them about the importance of saving money. 

Sammy is part of the "It's a Habit!" Company Inc., dedicated to teaching financial literacy and other empowering life skills and habits in an entertaining and educational manner to youths of all ages, with a focus on young children and their families. 

The program began five years ago when Sam Renick, a financial counselor, realized a need for children to learn about savings at an early age. 

"I was constantly dealing with parents who despaired over not saving money earlier in life," said Mr. Renick, founder of the "It's a Habit!" Company Inc. "Our goal is to help fill that void by instilling the habit of saving money early in a child's life." 

The Air Force Aid Society sponsored Sammy the rabbit and Aviano Air Base is the first base in USAFE command to learn about the program first-hand. 

"We have a problem with financial literacy and we hope this program helps plant a seed early in these kids," said Leo Lear, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. "The fact that the Air Force Aid Society paid for it couldn't have been a better deal for us." 

As children walked into the multi-purpose room of the school they were greeted by the sounds of catchy hip-hop songs from the "It's a Habit" CD, like "Don't Spend More Than You Make," and "Change Adds Up." 

Mr. Renick greeted the children and narrated the first five chapters of his book, "It's a Habit, Sammy Rabbit." 

This book teaches children about the secrets of saving money and why it is important, said Mr. Renick. 

As Mr. Renick finished his narration, Sammy the Rabbit hopped his way on stage to the excitement of the children. Sammy, who can't talk, used sign language to teach the children about saving money. Mr. Renick also helped interpret the bunny language so the children could understand what he was saying. 

At the end of the show, the children got to meet Sammy in person and take home a free "Celebrate Saving!" CD. 

For more information on the "It's a Habit!" company, visit www.itsahabit.com.