SPCA, Cook it Forward program receive support from Hyska’s YIG

By Patricia Leboeuf | September 12, 2019 | Local

The $1,438 cheque from YIG will go a long way to helping the Cook it Forward program and its participants. From left are Recreation Program Coordinator Colin Coyle, Recreation Program Assistant Shallan Dament, Cashiers Madi Young and Jacob Gilbert and Front End Manager Maggie Macdow. (Photos by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Two women hold giant cheque, dog wearing bandana sits in front — A $642.50 cheque was presented by YIG owner Val Hyska to Ontario SPCA Volunteer Lea Thompson and spokesdog Foster. This money will be put into the Ontario SPCA Friends for Life! Walk to help them reach their goal. Funds raised for the SPCA are used to help the animals living at the centre thrive and find forever homes. (Photos by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG) has been raising funds for worthy organizations in the community. On Aug. 15, the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre received $642.50 from their Try it Thursday, which was held on Aug. 1. This money has been earmarked for the Ontario SPCA Friends for Life! Walk on Sept. 15 at the Pembroke Marina Waterfront. The goal for this event is $33,000 as this year many ill and injured pets have come through the centre’s doors requiring veterinary care. Getting support from the community, particularly the business community, allows the SPCA to run much-needed programs that help local animals. The YIG also presented a cheque from the Give a Little Campaign which raised $1,438.

The campaign is held twice a year at the store and a local non-profit community group is subsequently chosen. This time, the Town of Petawawa’s Cook it Forward program was chosen. This program involves youth from ages nine to 13 who learn how to cook healthy, nutritious and delicious meals. In addition to teaching valuable life skills in the kitchen, the excess portions are boxed up, frozen and then distributed to the Petawawa Pantry.