Press Releases

The HBSPCA Sends Over 65,000 lbs of Lifesaving Pet Food to Wildfire Zones

Written By:

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA

Posted On:

August 4, 2025

Thanks to support from Uber Freight, Manitoulin Transport, The Standard Insurance and BrokerLink Insurance, and other generous donors, the HBSPCA is delivering pet food to animals in crisis.

June 19, 2025 Hamilton, ON – As devastating wildfires continue to displace families and animals across Manitoba and Northern Ontario, the Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HBSPCA) is stepping in to ensure that vulnerable and displaced pets receive the care they need. In partnership with Uber Freight and Manitoulin Transport, the HBSPCA has shipped more than 20,000 lbs of pet food to affected communities in Manitoba.

“Wildfires don’t just threaten homes, they upend entire lives, including the lives of beloved pets,” said John Gerrard, CEO of the HBSPCA. “Thanks to our incredible community of partners and donors, we’re making sure these animals are cared for with dignity and compassion.”

In collaboration with Manitoulin Transport, Uber Freight delivered the HBSPCA’s first emergency shipment—20 pallets of pet food, totalling 20,000 lbs—at no cost to Save a Dog Network Canada in Winnipeg. The shipment departed from the AMJ Campbell warehouse in Hamilton and arrived in Winnipeg last week. Save a Dog Network, a registered non-profit, plays a critical role in protecting animal welfare in northern Manitoba. Since the onset of the wildfire crisis, they have been on the front lines—delivering food and supplies, assisting with animal transport and supporting families caring for pets in temporary conditions.

“We believe logistics can be a force for good, so when the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA reached out for help transporting pet food to wildfire-impacted communities we were proud to step in,” said Diana Belanger, Sr. Director of Operations, Canada, Uber Freight. “We’re grateful to support the HBSPCA’s mission and the communities they serve. These disasters have affected families, pets and countless stray animals—we knew we had the ability to help,” she added.

‍

To ensure continued support, The Standard Insurance and BrokerLink Insurance— rooted in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan—have generously offered to cover the shipping cost of an additional generous delivery. This will enable the HBSPCA to send 20 more pallets of pet food to Save a Dog Network Canada in Winnipeg, doubling the impact and ensuring more communities receive essential aid for the pets in need.

“Our purpose is simple: we’re here to help people and their pets,” said Joe D’Annunzio, President of Broker Link. “Our employees live and work in the communities they serve, including the ones impacted by the Manitoba fires and we’re committed to supporting organizations that make a real difference, like the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA.”

The HBSPCA is also responding to wildfire threats closer to home. In Thunder Bay, where fires are endangering parts of Northern Ontario, the HBSPCA in partnership with Port Logistics, is also sending a shipment of 26,000 lbs of pet food to support local animal shelters. Other organizations like The Northern Collective, will receive 4,000 lbs of food from the HBSPCA to distribute among affected areas in Thunder Bay. While it is difficult to estimate the exact number of cats and dogs these shipments will support, it is expected to feed hundreds of pets throughout June and into early summer.

This vital work is made possible through the collective efforts of compassionate individuals and organizations, including corporate partners, donors, volunteers, and dedicated staff. The HBSPCA’s Pet Pantry Program, led by Logistics Manager Mikayla Murphy, is committed to supporting not only animals in shelters, but also the families who love them and are facing unimaginable loss.

As new partnerships emerge, the HBSPCA is actively exploring additional ways to expand its relief efforts. Every shipment makes a meaningful impact and the organization remains committed to ensuring that no pet goes hungry.

To support the HBSPCA’s efforts or to donate to their Pet Pantry Program, visit this link or call 905-574-7722 for assistance.

‍

About the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is always Pet First. Since 1887, we have advanced the humane treatment of animals through innovative education, services, and partnerships. Our programs support over one million animal interactions annually, providing vital resources that ensure the well-being of animals and the families who care for them. We take care of animals because they take care of us. Join us at www.hbspca.com.

‍