Empty Stocking Fund: Pets deserve a happy holiday, too

Animal welfare experts often say that when people and families are struggling, their pets suffer along with them. The uncharitable among us might ask why people would have a dog or cat at all if they can’t afford it.

“I know there’s a lot of criticism out there: ‘If you can’t feed yourself, why are you having a pet?’ ” says Yvonne Borrows, the chaplain and pastor for Salvation Army’s Nanaimo branch.

“But at the same time, for a lot of our clientele it’s their pet that keeps them grounded. So we decided that we could help with that, seeing as how we get pet food anyways.”

Borrows points out that many families took in their pets before they ran into financial trouble, and that it can be the one thing that’s holding them together. Pets can be so vital to a person’s well-being. Borrows says one client chooses to look after his dogs rather than take his own life.

“And who am I to judge? Keep your dog, keep your pet, whatever it is you need to stay grounded, let’s help you keep it.

“For us, it is about building healthier individuals. Everything we do is about building healthier people. And if your pet helps you to stay emotionally and mentally healthier, then by all means keep your pet. And we’ll help.”

The Nanaimo Sally Ann has for many years run a food bank and received regular donations of big bags of food from pet stores like Bosley’s and Petsmart, Costco, SPCA and others. They realized they could divvy them up and help dozens of clients feed their dog or cat every week or month.

The pet food bank has been up-and-running for a couple of years now, regularly providing food to about 80 families — up from only about 10 in the early months. Their work is supported by The Province’s century-old Empty Stocking Fund.

Last year and again in 2025, the program has a “really cool” holiday twist, says Borrows. Bosley’s began taking profiles of Salvation Army clients’ “dogs or cats, or rabbits, or birds,” and staff put together gift hampers for them.

After helping a small number of people in 2024, Borrows expects at least 40 families or more will get a pet hamper this Christmas.

The food and pet food banks are open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the family services office, 505 Eighth Ave. in Nanaimo. For more about how the Salvation Army helps in the region, go to nanaimosa.ca.

For more than 100 years The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund has helped make the holidays brighter for less fortunate families throughout B.C. With the generosity of our readers and supporters, the fund sponsors 25 community groups that provide food hampers and gifts to kids, families and individuals.

Donations can be made online at theprovince.com/esf or by phone at 604-253-6911.

jruttle@postmedia.com