Unable to make donations to local food banks and shelters, a Greater Victoria man is delivering free dog and cat food door-to-door to those in need.
Rick Hawkes launched Kibbles for Hungry K9’s and Felines, a grassroots initiative to collect and distribute donated pet food to food banks and shelters, in January. The donated pet food went into hampers from Sidney to the Western Communities.
The idea, he said, was that families that received the donations would be able to spend more money on food for themselves.
But with social-distancing measures in place and many places having to lay off staff, many food banks and shelters have been unable to take his donations, Hawkes said.
“I was left with 1,400 pounds of food in my basement,” he said.
So lately Hawkes, his wife, friends and volunteers have started dropping off food on doorsteps by request. “We just ring the doorbell and step back 10 feet.”
The food they typically offer is product that has been returned, has packaging that has been damaged or is slightly past its best-by date. It is repackaged in plastic freezer bags.
Hawkes does not accept cash donations. He and his team of volunteers donate their time and cover all vehicle and fuel costs.
However, they do accept bags of kibble, canned, raw or dehydrated dog and cat food. New and gently used leashes, collars, coats, beds, kennels and light doghouses are also accepted.
To donate or to obtain some pet food, contact Rick Hawkes at 250-857-3567 or kibblesforhungryk9sandfelines@gmail.com.
