Kamloops and Prince George in challenge

NEWS/ COMMUNITY — It’s time for the annual City Challenge, which pits the Kamloops branch of the B.C. SPCA against its counterpart in Prince George (North Cariboo District Branch) to see which community has the most passionate animal supporters.

Throughout the month of May, the two SPCA locations will hold community events to raise as much money as possible to fund programs for abused, neglected and homeless animals.

The winner of the City Challenge gets bragging rights.

“I’m confident that the people of Kamloops are going to do us proud and turn out in full force to show Prince George that we have the most generous and compassionate animal lovers,” said Charleen Holloway, manager of the Kamloops B.C. SPCA Branch.

“We have a lot of fun activities planned throughout the month and we encourage everyone who loves animals to please come out and show your community spirit by supporting our city’s most vulnerable animals.”

The events lineup so far includes:

• April 30-May 30: Bottle drive. Bottles can be dropped off at the Kamloops shelter at 1121 8^th St., at General Grants, 611 Fortune Drive and at Lorne Street bottle depot at 270 Halso9n Rd.;
• May 10: Spay-ghetti and No Ball Dinner at the Plaza Hotel, 405 Victoria St., Kamloops, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets available at the shelter ($20 adult/Children 10 and under $10). Featuring music by Gordie West, a silent auction and a 50/50 draw;
• May 10-17:  Book Sale at North Hills Mall, 700 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops;
• May 23: Fur Ball – Celebrating Second Chances at the Coast Kamloops Hotel, 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Featuring dinner, dancing, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw and more. Tickets are $75 each, available through Kamloops live box office;
• May 24: Dog Wash at River City Nissan, 2405 Trans-Canada Highway, Kamloops, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is by donation and a hot dog lunch is available. All proceeds benefit the Kamloops BC SPCA;
• May 31: Wrap Up Barbecue at M&M Meats Sahali, 1203 Summit Drive, Kamloops;
• Every Wednesday in May The Fireside Steakhouse & Bar, 405 Victoria St., Kamloops, will donate five per cent sales between 4-9 p.m.;
• Cat and Joe’s Pig Rig, 2515 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops, will donate 50 cents for every pulled pork sandwich sold in honor of Skeeter, a beloved pet cat they just lost;
• Denny’s restaurant, 570 Columbia St., Kamloops, will give all proceeds from all pancake puppy orders, every day, all month;
• May 1-30: River City Nissan will be accepting donations of supplies to fill a Titan from May 1-30 (see dealership for details).