The Hock Shop Orillia has made the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre a priority since 2012, raising almost $30,000 for animals in need over that time.
It all started in 2011 when a thief stone one of the SPCA's donation boxes from the counter of the Hock Shop.
"That's when we decided to get our own donation boxes and lock them to the cabinet so people couldn't steal them," explained owner Dave Macneall. "I thought we had to do something."
The upsetting experience gave Macneall the idea to start taking in items he would usually turn away, save them from going into the garbage, and then sell them in return for a donation to the SPCA.
"Now people are coming in with hordes of stuff that they would usually donate to Salvation Army or Value Village, and donate it to us," he explained. "We clean it up, put a sticker on it, and put it out for sale."
Usually, the fundraising initiative raises around $2,000 each year. Last year, however, it raised $5,000, which has caused Macneall to boost his goal to $6,000 for 2024.
"We usually have one of my dogs in the store, so people like to come in to see them and give us a donation," he said. "A lot of the time we will ask for a dollar for something, and people will give us much more than that."
Macneall, who has owned the pawn shop since 1999, says the community is "kind-hearted" for supporting the fundraiser.
"We've received some really nice donations," he said. "That's how we made it up to $5,000 last year."
Macneall, who owns four dogs and two cats, says the SPCA is a "great cause" to support.
"We've heard all the horror stories of people just dropping animals off," he said. "We are big animal lovers and thought it's the best thing we could support."
Macneall, 48, says 100 percent of the donations collected at the Hock Shop go straight to supporting the animals. There are no additional fees or administration costs.
"That's the best part," he said. "It's straight money coming from our customers and going back to our Orillia SPCA."
Some customers have donated televisions, video game consoles, and real gold to help aid the fundraising efforts, he said.
"I'll say to the customer I can give you a lot of money for this," he explained. "They say no, I just want you to sell it and donate all the money. It's really great and surprising sometimes. People just hand over money."
As long as the Hock Shop is in Orillia, Macneall pledges the annual fundraiser will continue.
"I can't see why it wouldn't," he said. "I think it's a great cause and it's been flawless."
Natalie Harris, the community outreach coordinator for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, says the Orillia Animal Centre relies completely on "amazing" donors such as the Hock Shop to provide health care, re-homing support, pet food, and more for animals in need.
"Having such a dedicated community business like the Hock Shop support us on a regular basis provides security for our charity," she said. "Their generous support helps us to keep the Orillia Animal Centre doors open, where we can continue to help animals who are in desperate need of warmth, medical care, and, of course, love."
Because the Hock Shop is limited with space, Macneall asks customers to call ahead (705-329-2274) before showing up to the West Street North store with donations.
