An initiative in Timmins is helping pet owners who are struggling to make ends meet. The Northern Collar Club launched a pet pantry on Aug. 1, providing pet food and other supplies to help people keep their animals at home during difficult financial times. The organization said the initiative has already helped more than 87 families. “We’re here as a judgment-free zone,” said Christine Gorman, owner of the Northern Collar Club. “And we’re happy to provide dog food and ... cat food for people in need … you can ask for pet food every 31 days.” People can request food through the Northern Collar Club’s website, with support available up to eight times a year. High demand for pet food The need for pet food is also being felt at the Timmins Food Bank. The food bank said demand for pet food is so high that it can’t keep up, and when supplies are available, only small portions can be provided. “We can’t afford to buy it. It’s just too expensive for the food bank to buy it,” said Rick Young, board chair of the Timmins Food Bank. “So we just explain, ‘I’m sorry we’re out right now, but try next week, and, you know, we will gladly give it out.” The need for support is also being felt at the Timmins and District Humane Society, which currently has a waitlist for people looking to surrender their pets. “We can confirm we currently have a waitlist for those needing to surrender their pets,” a statement from the society said. “Unfortunately, TDHS receives approximately three to five surrender requests daily from individuals, for a variety of reasons.” The society said the high demand is leaving it struggling with the capacity and resources needed to assist everyone seeking help. The Northern Collar Club said the goal of the pantry is to help people through a difficult period before surrendering a pet becomes the only option. “If we can bridge the gap between them having to surrender their pet, especially for a few rough months, then we can help in that way,” said Gorman. People looking to support the initiative can donate food through the organization’s Amazon wish list, purchase Pet Valu gift cards or make a cash donation.
