London Pet Food Bank desperate for new home
A local organization that provides pet food to those in need is facing a crisis.
The London Ontario Pet Food Bank is about to lose its base and the east London home base of its founder, Roxanne Toussaint.
The long-time activist for people in need turned her attention to pets when she created the pet food bank nearly three years ago.
“We’re here to help disabled or low income and elderly people with pet food and pet supplies during hard times,” said Toussaint in an interview with CTV News London. “There are people that come here that their pet hadn’t had any food in two days.”
With the donations from local retailers and members of a 3,000 strong social media group, Toussaint said the pet food bank has provided a two-week supply of food to hundreds.
“On a slow day, we might have three to five people. On a busy day, it is a steady stream, one after the other. So, maybe 20 to 25 people,” she added.
However, due to a series of unfortunate events, the future of the pet food bank is uncertain.
Judy Templemen and Roxanne Toussaint of the London Ontario Pet Food Bank as seen on March 27, 2024. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
Roxanne said an agreement to move to a larger facility was abruptly canceled by the landlord.
“Now that leaves us in a total lurch because I spent the last two months thinking we had a place,” she said.
With no option to remain at the current facility, pet food bank supporter Judy Templeman is hopeful a giving Londoner will offer a small space for food storage and/or a place for to Toussaint to reside.
“If it is in a warehouse or something like that, it’s more space for her,” Templemen argued. “More areas to put more food, more help. It’s better that way.”
If that happens, the work of the volunteer group will continue to combat animal hunger.
Another group, offering temporary relief to pet owners in need is the No Empty Bowls Pet Food Bank. Its management was recently assumed by the London Humane Society.
If you wish to help, you can find the London Ontario Pet Food Bank on social media.
Toussaint said the food bank is looking for more food donations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship
Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
A top Qatari official urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a ceasefire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged both Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds on both sides to move toward a deal that would set Israeli hostages free and bring potential respite in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.