A local business is helping to support animals that have been evacuated from their homes because of wildfires.
Karima Jivraj, owner of the Bosley’s Columbia Square, said her store and Bosley’s by PetValu head office partnered with Wild West Animal League to donate $5,577.32 (retail) in product to evacuation centres in Agassiz, Chilliwack and two Indigenous communities in the area. These donations consist of food, litter and supplies.
“I was devastated to learn about the wildfires in B.C. and how quickly they are starting and spreading. Worse was hearing about the village of Lytton and how horrible it was for the residents to have to leave so quickly,” Jivraj said in a statement to the Record. “My team and I wanted to help the pets that were impacted by this.”
Jivraj said she reached out to Wild West Animal League, as it works with reputable organizations in the interior and northern parts of B.C., to see if it was going to be helping. She then worked with April Fahr from Wild West to get a list of the items needed, which were delivered to evacuation centres in Agassiz and Chilliwack on Friday.
“The pallet of food and supplies will be divided between four locations in the area. Wild West also took $1,000 of the proceeds from our Pet Appreciation month fundraiser and bought store gift cards to give to those who need food and supplies for their small animals and reptiles,” Jivraj said. “It is important to me to give back to the community at any time and especially when they are struggling like they are right now.”
Customers who would like to help can etransfer donations to [email protected]. Jivraj said she will ensure the pets get the items they need or will provide gift cards to help the evacuees meet their pets’ needs.
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