Decorating a tree to help support animal charities

By Janet Kanters, Editor

The Alberta SPCA and Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation have teamed up with the Strathmore Pet Planet store to decorate for the holidays.

Participating Pet Planet stores in specific regions are asking for donations to decorate a tree with ornaments in their store windows. Each ornament represents the pet family who made the donation. All money raised will be split between these two charities.

The Alberta SPCA works in Strathmore and Wheatland County to help prevent animal neglect and abuse. 

“We are partnering with a few of our local Pet Planet stores in rural communities because this is where we do the majority of our work,” said Dan Kobe with the Alberta SPCA. “We have seen the need for our services increase since the COVID-19 pandemic began. These partnerships not only raise money to support our work, but shine a light on the caring communities we all live in.”

Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation is also focused on supporting rural communities.

“We help families get through pet cancer, and we find that in rural communities pet families are isolated even further than in urban centres because resources are further away,” said Kate Smitko with Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation. “Working with Pet Planet, we can raise awareness that we are here and want to help any pet family that sadly is faced with a cancer diagnosis with their pet.”

The campaign kicked off Dec. 1, but it hopes to gain speed and momentum throughout the holiday season.

Strathmore is one of seven Alberta communities involved in the campaign. For more information or to donate, contact Allison Langpap, owner of Strathmore Pet Planet, at 403-934-9934.