Animal lovers can now ‘Fill the Bucket’ online

After a five-year hiatus, SPCA’s beloved nationwide street collection is back, which will see volunteers shaking buckets to raise money for needy animals this Friday and Saturday.

But the old favourite has a new digital presence, which means anyone can drop a coin in the bucket for animals, so to speak.

Rebranded ‘Fill the Bucket,’ having the option to give online as well as at street collection sites means it’s not only public passers-by who can donate for animals, but anyone anywhere who wants to be part of the action to help.

“Love of animals isn’t something specific to postcodes,” says SPCA CEO Todd Westwood. “And while we wish we could be on every street corner in the country, we want to ensure anyone who wants to be part of this inspiring collective action has the chance to do just that.”

The charity has just launched its ‘Fill the Bucket’ website which is open for donations now. It reflects the changes in the ways we live and give since the last SPCA street appeal took place in early 2020, before Covid lockdowns.

“As well as people carrying cash far less frequently than they once did, remote working means less people are in busy centres and won’t be passing a physical collection site during the two-day window we’re out there,” Mr Westwood says. “This heritage event is near and dear to many Kiwi animal lovers, and we want to make it available to everyone to get involved in. Just because you can’t get to a collection site shouldn’t mean you can’t be part of making a difference for the animals.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation online can do so easily by visiting fillthebucket.spca.nz. Donations made before midnight Sunday 1 June will officially be counted towards the total raised as part of the 2025 ‘Fill the Bucket’ appeal.