An unlucky woman didn't have to choose between feeding her dog and herself, thanks to the Pet Food Bank.
Vernon is home to one of a network of BC SPCA pet food banks across the province that help animals like Leroy.
“I had to choose between my dog's food and my own,” said Leroy's owner, a client of Hope Outreach in Vernon. “Thank you so much for this generosity! Now we all have something to eat.”
Pet food prices are the highest they've been in years, adding to the cost-of-living crisis facing many.
As a result, the SPCA is also seeing a decline in donations of supplies to pet food banks, with some communities struggling to keep up with demand.
In addition to her animal care duties, Mary also manages the Kelowna SPCA's pet food bank.
“Most people only come once. Maybe they're a few days away from payday or they're having problems with their car. Sometimes they adopt an animal for someone but can't afford the extra food to care for the animal. It's a safety net and I think people find it very reassuring to know that the Pet Food Bank is there when they desperately need it. We see a variety of people – families with kids in the car, single people, seniors – it's a mix of everyone, honestly.”
The Okanagan is currently one of the busiest regions, with the Vernon area alone having five partners who regularly distribute pet food in the area.
Last year, the Kelowna Animal Centre became a vital distribution hub during the devastating wildfires that threatened the region. Mary and her team worked long hours to stay open into the night, providing emergency pet food, bowls, bedding, crates, litter and other supplies to people and animals affected by the devastating wildfires.
“Unfortunately, given the recent weather and the wildfires that have already begun, we expect to see similar emergency response efforts this year,” Mary said. “BC SPCA pet food banks across the province are set to be busy this summer, including ours here in Kelowna.”
The SPCA welcomes donations of unopened pet food for the pet food bank, as well as cash donations.
“The biggest need right now is dry cat food, wet cat food and cat litter,” said Diane Waters, outreach specialist with the BC SPCA, adding that they also need volunteers to help with collection and distribution.
To help meet this great need, the Ian and Rosemary Mottershead Fund at West Vancouver Foundation is offering to match donations three times, up to $30,000.
To donate, visit shop.spca.bc.ca/products/outreach-support.
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