For one seven-year-old that was the best present she could get.

Grace Collier celebrated her birthday yesterday at Albury’s Patricia Gould Reserve where guests were asked to bring money so she could sponsor dolphins.

Her passion for helping and conserving the mammals started when she sponsored her first dolphin about Christmas last year.

“I love dolphins,” she said. “I didn’t want presents and I want to give money to them.”

Her mother Fiona said Grace was always thinking of others.

“From a person so young it’s coming from the heart,” she said.

The idea came from Grace’s friend in Byron Bay who sponsored turtle nests.

Grace was drawn to dolphins because of their intelligence.

“We are really proud,” Mrs Collier said.

“She doesn’t just want presents.

“The biggest thing we instil in our children is getting them to think whether something is a need or a want.”

Grace has also inspired her older brother James, 10.

On his birthday, he will ask for cat and dog food and toys to give to the RSPCA.