Whether it's people or pets, the generosity of residents in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can be seen in the charities they support.
This year the top three shortlisted charities in this year-s A-List were the BC SPCA, Alysa's Wish, and Cythera Transition House Society.
The mission of the BC SPCA is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm, and wild animals across the province.
It is the only animal welfare organization in the province with the authority to enforce animal cruelty laws under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The BC SPCA has 41 locations across B.C., including 35 animal centres that care for abused and homeless animals, until they are adopted into new homes. One of those is right here in Maple Ridge.
"That's amazing to hear that we are shortlisted as one of the top charitable organizations in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows," said Maple Ridge's SPCA branch manager Kahlee Demers.
"We do our best to offer help where we can and encourage animals to stay with their families, as well as provide second chances to those who make their way to us," said Demers, noting the Maple Ridge branch is active with community outreach and engagement including their growing pet food bank, children's camps, and educational events.
"Together with local businesses and organizations, and along with our incredible volunteers, we’re making a positive impact on animal welfare in the Maple Ridge community," she said.
The animal helpline can be reached at: 1-855-622-7722.
For more information go to: https://spca.bc.ca/.
The goal of Cythera is to bring about the end to domestic violence and to create a balance of power to society which, they believe, will ultimately bring about an end to violence and abuse of women and children.
"Cythera is honoured to be considered for this years A-List awards. We strive to bring hope, honour and healing to women, children and youth who have been impacted by domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault," said program manager, Nichole Olsen, noting their services include transitional housing, psycho-educational groups and counselling services.
"Being shortlisted for the A-List really is a big deal for us, and it helps shine a light on the care and hope we offer to those in need of our services in our community," added Olsen.
Online the society says, ending violence is a community responsibility to provide a safe haven for victims/survivors. Violence and abuse is rooted in power imbalances and is never acceptable when it is directed at women and children.
The society firmly believes that ending violence and abuse is achieved through the knowledge, and change, which, in turn, requires courage, conviction and commitment.
For more information about the services Cythera offer, people can visit: https://www.cythera.ca/.
The transition house is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you or anyone you know is in trouble call 604-467-9966 to reach the transition house and 24-hour support line anytime of the day or night.
Alisa’s Wish Child & Youth Advocacy, a program of Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services, helps all children and youth – up to 18 years old, who have experienced or witnessed physical, emotional, or sexual abuse – in addition to their families.
It is the first-entry point for children, youth, and their supportive family members where victims are immediately assigned a child youth advocate who supports them from beginning to end of their traumatic journey.
The advocate serves as the child/youth/family’s representative as soon as they arrive at Alisa's Wish, connecting the family with all the support programs that are available to them. The centre provides a home-like, warm, and friendly environment, where children, youth, and their supportive family members meet with police, social workers, and other service providers.
To make a child protection report, 24/7, call 604-660-4927 or 1-800-663-9122.
For more information about the programs Alisa's Wish offers people can go to: https://www.alisaswish.com/.
