Syed Hassan, founder of the non-profit charity Love with Humanity Association, is extending his efforts to help Calgarians by addressing a unique need: feeding their pets. The association has recently inaugurated an outdoor pet food bank located outside the Albert Park/Raddison Heights Community Association hall in southeast Calgary.
Since its inception in 2018, Hassan’s organization has established 14 small outdoor food banks for people throughout the Calgary area and set up 39 little free libraries stocked with books in various languages. These initiatives aim to support the community in multiple ways, reflecting the association’s commitment to addressing diverse needs.
The food banks for both people and pets operate from custom-designed outdoor cabinets filled with donated items, available 24/7. “We’re helping out in this tough time,” Hassan said. “Whatever you like, it’s open 24/7 – take a blessing, leave a blessing.”
Running this charity is a labor of love for Hassan, who manages it alongside his full-time job as a manager at a heavy equipment company. “We came here from Pakistan and we faced challenges, and so that’s why we started these initiatives, to give back to the community,” Hassan explained. “From the bottom of my heart, I do my best for our Calgary.”
Debbie Todd, a beneficiary of the new pet food bank, expressed her gratitude as she collected food for her dogs, Violet and Bacardi. “Right now, I’m having a bit of a tough time and there are days when you don’t know what you’re going to do to feed your dogs, so this means the world to me,” Todd shared. “I wouldn’t want to give these guys up, and some people have to because they can’t feed them anymore – so this is an absolutely fantastic idea.”
Hassan’s initiative highlights the often-overlooked struggle of pet owners in difficult circumstances, providing them with crucial support to keep their beloved pets fed and healthy. Through Love with Humanity Association, Hassan continues to make a significant impact on the Calgary community, embodying the spirit of generosity and community service.
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