A Gimli woman is once again rallying the community to help local animals in need through her long-running “Pets Need Christmas Too” campaign.
For more than three decades, Karen Bittner has collected pet food and supplies each holiday season in memory of her mother Ann, an animal lover who inspired her daughter’s lifelong commitment to helping rescue animals. Although she is not a member of the Gimli Humane Society, Bittner has independently organized the fundraiser for 32 years, driven by what she describes as her mom’s enduring legacy of compassion.
With shelters facing increasing pressure from surrendered, abandoned and neglected pets, Bittner said the need has never been greater.
“Every can, bag of food and bit of litter counts,” she said. “It directly helps ensure these animals are well-fed and cared for while they wait for their forever homes.”
This year’s goal is ambitious — more than 1,000 pounds of donated pet food.
To kick off the 2024 campaign, Bittner partnered again with Robins Donuts in Gimli, where community members can drop off donations from Nov. 17 to Dec. 21. A decorated “pet tree” inside the restaurant marks the collection spot. Although the business recently changed ownership, the new owners have continued the tradition of offering the location as a drop-off site.
Pet lovers are encouraged to leave cat and dog food, litter, toys or other essentials under the tree. Monetary donations can be sent directly to the Gimli Humane Society.
The annual holiday drive has become a well-loved tradition in the region for the past eight years under the “Pets Need Christmas Too” name, though Bittner’s efforts began many years earlier. She hopes her work will inspire more people to support local rescues that care for both large and small animals.
“Together, we can make a difference,” she said.
More information about the campaign is available on Bittner’s Facebook page, Pets Need Christmas Too.
