BC’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is celebrating 120 years of serving and protecting BC’s most vulnerable animals. In its latest campaign, it is asking for animal lovers to perform and capture acts of kindness.
Over a span of one year, the non-profit society is hoping to document a million acts of kindness for companion, farm and wild animals.
“The purpose of the campaign is to celebrate the amazing work that is already being done to create more humane communities throughout BC and to encourage animal lovers in the province to help save even more animal lives,” said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for BC SPCA.
In a press release from the society, Chortyk said the website millionacts.ca will feature a new act of kindness for animals each week. “Every act makes an incredible difference for the animals,” says Chortyk. “Our goal is to inspire as many ‘kindness ambassadors’ as possible to help us reach one million acts.”
There are many acts of kindness people can do throughout the year. The weekly challenges from BC SPCA may include changing purchasing habits to using only eggs from hens kept in cage-less conditions, or emailing the local MLA to encourage support for animal issues. The acts will be tallied monthly on the millionacts.ca website.
For Brandy Craig, branch manager with Powell River and District SPCA, acts of kindness are seen every day. “The one that stands out most in my mind is volunteer Lynne Lynch who comes to the shelter every day and through love and patience has brought so many semi-social cats out of their shell. It is because of Lynne’s dedication that our shelter staff were able to place these cats in forever homes.”
“The BC SPCA was created in 1895 by a small group of caring individuals who had the courage to take a stand against animal cruelty and abuse,” said Chortyk. “Today, BC SPCA is one of the largest animal welfare organizations of its kind in North America. What better way to celebrate the vision of our founders than to carry on their legacy of compassion with this campaign?”
To participate in the challenge, people can sign up at millionacts.ca and share the link with family and friends. “If one kind act can change the life of an animal forever, imagine what a million acts will do!”
