Holiday spirit, toys, pet food, and other essential supplies filled the local animal shelter last week when they received a significant donation courtesy of Canadian Tire in Swift Current. 

Tyler Lemieux, general manager of Canadian Tire, explained that the donation was part of a larger initiative that takes place throughout the month of December, which focuses on giving back and helping strengthen the community. 

“We've seen some of their Facebook posts and they were in need of some critical supplies, and we know with our toys, days, donations and the community supper donations, that this is the time of year where a lot of organizations are in need,” he elaborated. “So, we just decided we could step up and help out with that.” 

The donated items filled an entire cube truck containing over 40 dog and cat toys, a pallet of dog food, a pallet of cat food, cat litter, a pallet of paper towels, cases of hand sanitizer, food bowls, collars and more. 

Lemieux added that it was incredible to be able to see the reactions from the employees and animals at the SPCA when the donation was dropped off. 

“It was pretty amazing,” he stated. “Our entire warehouse team came to help make the donation and just seeing all the little animals there and we got to hold some of them. The staff there were so wonderful. There were some tears in some eyes from all of us watching the reaction as well as you know, seeing all the animals there and how this would be able to help out.”