The 2024 Lock-in for Love event is on right now at SPCA's across B.C. until June 22. (Submitted/Nanaimo SPCA)

By Jordan Davidson

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Nanaimo SPCA swapping pets for people during Lock-in for Love fundraiser

Jun 11, 2024 | 12:06 PM

NANAIMO — The largest fundraiser for SPCA branches across B.C. is back on again encouraging you to lock up your loved ones for a good cause.

The Lock-in for Love event invites the public to raise money for the SPCA’s critical animal-saving programs by putting themselves in the very kennels used to temporarily house adoptable animals.

Katie Heagle with the Nanaimo and District SPCA said the event runs from June 5 until June 22, with the final day seeing volunteers getting locked up until they reach their fundraising goal.

“There are a few people that will be locked up in our kennel for a few hours. People can pledge money to get them out. We have team pages set up for team Nanaimo, and then some of the staff and volunteers also.”

Donations can be made in person at the Nanaimo office at 154 Westwood Rd., or by clicking here to go to their fundraising page.

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Heagle said the Nanaimo team’s fundraising goal this year is $12,000, with provincial SPCAs hoping to raise $275,000 province-wide.

She said they generated around $12,000 last year and more than $16,000 in 2022.

“We all set a goal and if we get our goal that’s awesome, but any money raised Is helping our cause so we’re always grateful.”

Heagle said the event is always a lot of fun, as people enjoy seeing their boss, coworker, or spouse locked up with their furry friends for a good cause, including the SPCA’s emergency wildfire response efforts.

“I have locked up one or two of my children before and that was fun,” said Heagle. “I would have paid to keep them in though. (laughs)”

The event in 2022 was dedicated to a long-time volunteer at the facility, Lorraine Negley, who devoted over 30 years to the Nanaimo branch and passed away after a brief battle with cancer.

A pair of pledges for the BC SPCA’s Lock-in for Love event crammed in a cat cage until they meet their fundraising goal. (Nanaimo SPCA on Facebook)

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNOW