South Surrey and White Rock pet stores collect wildfire relief donations

Pet stores in South Surrey and White Rock are collecting food, supplies and cash donations for people and animals displaced by wildfires in Summerland.

The provincewide campaign began Aug. 8 after a call for support from the company’s regional director, according to Billie Wilson, manager of the South Surrey Tisol store. Donations are being sent to communities receiving evacuees, including Penticton.

Wilson said cash donations are going to the Red Cross and the BC SPCA for distribution, while products collected by stores are being shipped from a Surrey distribution centre. The campaign had collected about $83,000 in donated products and a further $10,000 in cash at the time of the report.

Participating Tisol, Bosley’s, Total Pet and Pet Valu stores across B.C. are accepting wet and dry food, collars, leashes, blankets and other supplies for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small animals. Local drop-off locations include Tisol South Surrey, Bosley’s Ocean Park and Bosley’s White Rock Central Plaza.

Cash donations are accepted until Aug. 27, while product donations will continue after that date.