Animal Meals Financial institution distributes Christmas hampers to pet homeowners in want – West Kelowna Information

Hampers for hungry pets

Photo: Contributed

The Animal Food Bank was out in full force this week at the West Kelowna Food Bank providing Christmas hampers to pet owners in need. 

“This year alone, just in hampers we have given out 3,500 pounds of food,” says co-founder of the Animal Food Bank Nicole Wilks. This is compared to 2,000 pounds of pet food that was distributed last year during the holidays.

The Animal Food Bank is a non-profit organization that provides pet supplies to people in need. This includes those who are homeless, low or no income earners and people who may just be going through tough times.

The organization distributed more than 100 hampers to West Kelowna Food Bank clients on Wednesday and Thursday, but they didn’t stop there.

“We’ve partnered with the John Howard Society, we’ve provided hampers to clients of CMHA and the homeless shelters,” says Wilks. ?

The Animal Food Bank usually sees 10 requests per week for delivery services in December. This year, they are averaging 30 requests. 

“To me, it speaks to the impact of CERB ending, the impact of COVID continuing to be a thing and just the financial insecurity that so many people are struggling with,” says Wilks. 

“Our reach is expanding and thats only making the demand for our services increase. If they need help, we have no qualification criteria and we trust that you’re only going to ask if you need. We make it as low barrier as possible.”

To learn more about donating or accessing the Animal Food Bank, click here.