The pandemic has brought on many challenges, one of which has been food insecurity for many people and animals across our province. Thanks to a unique partnership in the Cornwall area, families have access to food for their furry family members at a pop-up food bank.
Getting food to those who need it most
Launched in response to COVID-19, the Urgent Animal Care Fund supports animal centres as they continue their essential services, and families across Ontario who are struggling to care for their animals. Together we can help keep animals with families who love them.
One of the ways we’re working to keep animals with the families who love them is by distributing animal food to those who need it most. To help make this happen, we established three pet food distribution hubs in Midland, Dryden and Picton, as well as an additional warehouse location in Cornwall.
Early on in the pandemic, South Glengarry resident Linda Selkirk reached out to offer her support. Being well connected in social services, Selkirk had set up a “pop up” pet food bank on her property. She knew many seniors and community members who couldn’t leave their houses and were struggling to access food for their animals. With the help of donated food from the Ontario SPCA and thanks to Selkirk, donated food is delivered right to them and has made a world of difference.
Food hampers
In addition to the food donations through the Urgent Animal Care Fund, the Ontario SPCA took part in an initiative to help deliver human food hampers to Selkirk thanks to the Regional Emergency Response Council of Cornwall. With the support of local agencies and communities, the council has provided thousands of food hampers to residents in Cornwall and the surrounding region.
The Ontario SPCA has assisted the Regional Emergency Response Council four times since March 2020 to help distribute food hampers to the families in rural areas who need them. So far, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has delivered close to 200 food hampers and provided approximately 20,000 pounds of animal food, treats and litter to Selkirk’s pop-up animal food bank drive.
“Being able to pick up the food hampers and deliver them to Linda’s property where she distributes them is very rewarding,” says Bonnie Bishop, Associate Director, Animal Protection Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This program that Linda runs as a volunteer makes a huge difference in the lives of both companion animals and people, and we are happy to be part of this important program.
Thanks to your donations to the Urgent Animal Care Fund, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society continues to provide furry friends and their families with essentials at Selkirk’s pop-up animal food bank, and across the province. Together, we’re helping residents and their furry companions feel secure in knowing where their next meal is coming from.
For more information on the Urgent Animal Care Fund, an
d to donate to support animals in need, visit urgentanimalcarefund.ca.
