The Hamilton-Burlington SPCA faced a two-month waitlist for urgent pet food deliveries in late August due to the lack of dedicated vehicles. Thanks to local donors, they now have acquired three vehicles to address the pressing need.
Brad Grabell, the HBSPCA’s director of strategy, expressed admiration for the collaborative efforts of a corporation and an individual supporting a common cause. He emphasized the unity and support within the community for this initiative.
The donated vans, provided by Driving Force Burlington and Dr. Liz O’Brien’s family foundation, along with a discounted sale from Driving Force, significantly bolstered the SPCA’s delivery capabilities. O’Brien and Bryce Taylor from Driving Force acted promptly to offer assistance upon learning about the need for new vehicles.
The HBSPCA required additional vans for their Pet Pantry program, which saw a substantial rise in meal distribution from 30,000 in 2023-2024 to three million in 2024-2025, indicative of the high demand for their services.
With the new vehicles, the wait time for the Pet Pantry program has been reduced to under 30 days. The SPCA now reaches beyond its local region, delivering food to distant locations like Halifax, N.S., and remote communities in northern Ontario, reflecting the program’s vital role and the need for sustainability.
The Pet Pantry’s services have seen a surge in demand, particularly among elderly pet owners, exacerbated by the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grabell highlighted the unprecedented demand and financial pressures faced by pet owners during these times.
Taylor’s swift response to the donation request showcased his commitment to supporting the HBSPCA’s mission. His contribution, alongside O’Brien’s, has significantly enhanced the pantry’s efficiency, resulting in reduced wait times and increased assistance to families in need.
The collaborative efforts and generosity of donors have enabled the HBSPCA to serve over 931,000 families last year, with expectations of expanding their reach further with the new van fleet.