South Okanagan Similkameen SPCA pleaded for pet food and supply donations as shelves run bare – Penticton News

Casey Richardson

The South Okanagan Similkameen SPCA is in desperate need of donations.

The volunteer shelter reported seeing a 20 per cent increase in demand for food bank services from 2022 to 2023, which has only continued throughout 2024.

Animal Center Manager Amrika Tikasingh said the shelter is dangerously low on many items, which are vital to operations and the community food bank it runs.

“Our shelves are very, very empty, and we can’t help our communities without all of the lovely donors that help us,” she said.

Just in the Thompson-Okanagan area, Tikasingh said the organization has distributed over 18,000 kilograms of dried food, over 10,000 cans of wet food, and nearly 2,200 kilograms of litter this year so far.

“Any help we can get to help our community is greatly appreciated.”

The charity has 23 major partners across the Okanagan-Similkameen, and a pet food company sponsors the shelter itself to ensure all its residents eat a healthy, consistent diet.

However, the food bank — which is available to any members of the community and sometimes the SPCA’s resident picky eaters — relies on donations.

The donated food is given out to people and their animals in need in the community and is a heavily relied-upon resource for many. Tikasingh said it is accessed every day.

“Throughout our entire province, we have issues with homelessness and access to care for animals. We know how important it is for humans to have their support, and these are the humans that want to keep their animals so that they can have that support. So every time someone donates to the food bank, we’re able to help people keep their animals and their supports with them,” she added.

The South Okanagan location currently has 57 animals in its care, including a pit bull that was found in a Kelowna home infested with rats and covered in dog feces who recently gave birth to 10 puppies.

“This beautiful mama, Ellie, and her nine pit bull pups are here with us at the centre right now,” Tikasingh said.

She added it is “vital” for them to just receive support to continue running.

“We are a donor-funded organization, and without donors, we cannot make the impact that we need on our community without people opening up their hearts and sharing with us.”

Donations needed include:

• Dog and cat food, both wet and dry
• Kitten food, especially wet/canned needed
• Litter
• Cat treats
• Dog treats
• Paper towels
• (Unfitted) sheets
• Blankets

Donations can be dropped off at 2200 Dartmouth Dr., Penticton, anytime from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The rescue even has an Amazon wishlist if people can’t stop by but still want to help out.

While monetary donations go to help animals in the community, they might not go directly to the food bank, which is why physical items are best.

Pet food and supplies are available for pick up seven days a week, year-round. Contact [email protected] or 250-493-0136 for any special requests.

Photo: SPCA

Photo: SPCA