While May is Be Kind to Animals Month, the kid gloves are off when it comes to the B.C. SPCA City Challenge.
Nanaimo and Kamloops go head-to-head for the month to see which city can raise the most money for its SPCA shelter.
“In the past it had been Kamloops and Prince George so it’s the first time Nanaimo will be doing one,” said Leon Davis, branch manager for the Nanaimo and District SPCA. “We’re putting on some events and encouraging the public and businesses to come up with ways they might help out.”
Nanaimo SPCA is holding an open house May 14 from noon to 4 p.m. with information tables covering all of organization’s services, cruelty investigations and sheltering operations of the animals in the community.
Island Veterinary Hospital will be offering free advice to pet owners and tours of the shelter run hourly.
There will also be an outdoor buffet including sandwiches, salads and desserts for $5 a plate.
Another part of the challenge is a pub night at The Old City Station Pub on May 19 at 6 p.m.
The night includes a beer and burger, door prizes, raffle prizes, silent auction and more.
There are only 100 tickets available at the SPCA shelter, 2200 Labieux Rd., or at Island Veterinary Hospital, 1800 Bowen Rd.
“If anyone has a garage sale in May and wants to donate the proceeds, it goes to the challenge,” said Davis. “Or a birthday party where they take donations for the animals instead of presents. That happens quite a lot.”
For more information on the SPCA City Challenge, please call 250-758-8444 or visit www.spca.bc.ca/nanaimo or simply stop in at your local BC SPCA shelter.
