Have you ever wanted to help the animals at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) but just didn’t know where to start? Fear not – there are plenty of ways to make a difference for our furry friends, and we appreciate any support you can give.
Organizing a fundraiser or donation drive is an especially good way to be an HBSPCA ambassador in your community. If you decide to raise funds for a general donation, it will go where it’s needed most, ensuring that animals get the essential supplies, care, and resources they need to thrive.
You can also support a specific program at the HBSPCA, such as our Pet Pantry or Pet Health Outreach Clinics. Sign up as an individual, business, school, team, club, or group. No matter who you are, you can help.
Here are five inspiring ways that people have been showing their support for our animals:
A Birthday Party for a Cause
Local drag queen Kenadie St James wanted to give back for her 40th birthday party. So in August, she sold tickets to a gala at The Powerhouse restaurant in Stoney Creek and donated part of the proceeds to the HBSPCA – a total of $3,000.
“I’m not a pet owner,” says St James, who moved to Hamilton in 2016.
“I’m a pet guardian and protector, and for me that means all animals – not just the ones that live under my roof. I appreciate the work that the SPCA does and look forward to doing what I can to support them!”
Businesses Giving Back
Leggat Toyota, also known as Ancaster Toyota, hosted a “Cars and Coffee” event this past August that collected items and monetary donations for the HBSPCA. The car dealership raised $2,500 through its event and donated another $3,000. Staff members from the HBSPCA were onsite selling thrift store items for pets, making a profit as well.
Levels Hair Salon, located on the central mountain, is also running a donation drive to collect pet food for the HBSPCA’s Pet Pantry program. Before opening in 2019, the owner, Sargon Daved, knew he wanted to be more involved in the community. Earlier this year, he was driving down Main Street and saw a long line that wrapped around a building, and upon investigating he discovered it was a pet food bank. This got him thinking about the rise in the use of food banks by the Canadian population and how it reflects the need to also feed our pets, given the limited resources available.
“With some research I found the Pet Pantry Program through Hamilton Burlington SPCA and knew immediately this is what we would aim our focus at. This season truly is the season of giving, and the generosity of our clients, team, and their desire for community involvement truly shines during this time.”
- Stated Daved.
Meaningful Bracelets
Ten-year-old Quinn was born with a limb difference, but she’s never let that stop her from pursuing her passions. She decided to sell handmade bracelets and donate the proceeds to the HBSPCA. She made 100 bracelets, spending about five minutes on each – in total, she put in more than eight hours of work.
Quinn, who lives in the Hamilton community, sold the bracelets during one weekend in June with a friend along to help. She ended up raising and donating $624.
“The animals need it more than I do,” she says.
Schools Supporting Animals
Three Hamilton schools recently raised funds that will go a long way in helping the HBSPCA. Grade 11 students at Columbia International College, a boarding school in the Westdale area, recently decided to launch a fundraiser. Reselling Krispy Kreme doughnuts at a profit, they raised $1,044.
“Taking action never tasted so sweet!” reads a Facebook post detailing the event. It adds thanks to everyone who got involved: “Not only did you get to enjoy a delicious treat, but you also contributed to providing shelter and care for furry friends who deserve loving homes.”
Meanwhile this past May at Norwood Park Elementary School, located on Hamilton’s central mountain, a Grade 6 class organized a bake sale and “mini-mall” sale for students and parents, featuring toys and other small items. The students ended up donating $948 to the HBSPCA.
And at Shannen Koostachin Elementary School, in Stoney Creek, students set up an online fundraiser through the HBSPCA’s fundraising page to collect monetary donations. In addition to the November event, they’re holding a donation drive to collect pet food and supplies for the HBSPCA.
Calling All Classmates
A boy at Shannen Koostachin Elementary School in Stoney Creek is so passionate about helping animals that he organized a donation drive to get his teachers and classmates involved.
He created a poster detailing the HBSPCA’s wish-list, including affordable, everyday items such as sandwich bags, laundry detergent, and paper towels. He’s also accepting cash and online donations during the holiday season.
But he hasn’t stopped there. As the son of a HBSPCA foster parent, he sometimes visits classrooms and teaches his peers about fostering animals, explaining what’s involved in the process and the difference it can make in an animal’s life. “This holiday season let’s come together to help our animals in need!” reads his poster. He’s truly an example of youth making a difference.
How You Can Get Started
Whether you’re a local business engaging clients, a student organizing a bracelet sale, or an animal lover hosting a birthday party your fundraiser can make a significant impact. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Host a themed dinner party with an entry donation.
- Organize a pet wash or grooming event.
- Run a marathon or set up a fitness challenge with sponsorships.
- Plan a craft fair or art sale with a portion of proceeds going to HBSPCA.
Take Action Today
Start brainstorming your fundraiser and get ready to make a difference. For detailed instructions and resources, visit HBSPCA Fundraising or contact our team for support. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for animals in need.
Your creativity and compassion can help us continue our mission of rehabilitating and rehoming animals in our community. Let’s make a difference, one event at a time!
By Melissa Hank
