Free community food banks have popped up in Calgary in recent years, but there was a demographic largely left out: pets. That’s been addressed by the Love With Humanity Association, which is also behind dozens of the free little libraries and food banks for people throughout the city. Sunday, the group was joined by Ward 5 Counc. Raj Dhaliwal and a group of community supporters to launch the pet food bank and a new little library at 175 Cornerstone Avenue N.E. “Many families are struggling from an affordability perspective,” said Dhaliwal, “and when it comes to providing food for their pets and all that, they’re putting them up for adoption – this kind of free food helps prevent that. “Also reading – education especially at a young age, sets up those strong foundations for the future.” Dhaliwal said Ward 5 has a tradition of stepping up as a community that he’s proud of. “The strength is in our togetherness, us, being together, when we stand up for each other, that makes us stronger, and I’m so proud and happy to represent Ward 5 – as you know, there’s a (Calgary) Food Bank Mayor’s Challenge, and Ward 5 has won that four years in a row! “That’s an example, whenever there’s a call, to help and support other Calgarians, Ward 5 always rises up,” Dhaliwal added, “And this is an example today, you can see the amount of people from different backgrounds, they speak different languages, (come from) different cultures – but when it comes to Calgary, we are one.” Love With Humanity president and founder Syed Hassan said he was proud of opening a food bank for pets and the organization’s 55th little library. “it’s a hard time,” said Hassan. “Everyone is facing challenges. “When you come here, you take whatever you like,” Hassan said. “it’s 24 hours open, no registration required – if you need pet food, you can come any time. If you have pet food, you can drop off a non-perishable item. “That’s the amazing thing about this area,” he said. “You can take whatever you like.” With files from CTV News’ Tommy Osborne
