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A local non-profit group has opened a pet food bank in southeast Calgary to help residents who are struggling to feed their pets.

Since its inception in 2018, the Love With Humanity Association has created 14 outdoor food banks and 39 miniature libraries that offer literature in multiple languages throughout the city.

Now, the organization is expanding to support its patrons’ furry friends with a pet-specific community pantry outside the Albert Park/Radisson Heights Community Association.

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With inflation and other financial pressures, Love With Humanity president and founder Syed Hassan said he heard from many community members about the need — and rising costs — of pet food. The increased struggle to keep food on the table for human family members has, in some cases, forced some to consider rehoming their pets.

“There is nothing left over to take care of their pets,” he said.

“The emotion this time is heartbreaking for me because I am a pet owner. I have a cat, and I know that attachment.”

The pet food bank opened last week and has been well-used in its first days of operation. He said the community has been “very excited” about the project.

“This is a great initiative to keep loved ones at home and provide food to them,” said Hassan. “Pets are a part of the family . . . this initiative provides a smile on their faces.”

The custom-designed cabinets are filled with donations and are open 24 hours a day for those in need — like the organization’s other community pantries across the city. Hassan says Love With Humanity has three more pet food banks in the works.

A celebration and grand opening ceremony for the pet food bank is planned for Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Albert Park/Radisson Heights Community Association.

Hassan urged those who are able to bring donations to the event.

mrodriguez@postmedia.com

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Source link calgaryherald.com