Three big “P” fundraising events are on the books for the Maple Ridge SPCA this holiday season.

First up is a pub night happening this Friday, Nov. 30 at The Haney Public House, said shelter manager Mark Vosper.

Next up is the pet photos with Santa happening at the Trice garden centre this year on Sunday, Dec. 2.

And last, but not least, there’s a poinsettia and wreath sale going on now.

Recognizing there are a lot of different pet with Santa picture-taking events and other fundraisers going on in the community, Vosper said the SPCA has chosen to diversify its efforts.

Between the three events, he is hopeful the local shelter can raise between $4,000 and $5,000 for the animals.

The burger-and-beer event is expected to be one of the bigger holiday fundraisers, with organizers hoping to pack the pub, at 22222 Lougheed Highway, between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.

“It’s a chance to get together and relax with like-minded animal lovers,” Vosper said, noting tickets are on sale at the shelter at 10235 Jackson Rd. in the days leading up.

The $20 ticket entitles donors to have a burger and beer, plus participate in a series of games and draws over the course of the three-hour event.

The SPCA’s popular pet photos with Santa has become a welcome tradition for the local shelter. It generates money and awareness for the local animal shelter, as well as goodwill for those who are looking for a way to help, Vosper said.

This year’s pet photo with Santa event is being hosted at Trice Farm Pond & Garden Centre, at 24565 Dewdney Trunk Rd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Pet owners can book an appointment by calling the shelter ahead of time at 604-463-9511, or just drop by the nursery.

Last year, there were about 60 photo shoots, and Vosper is optimistic that number will be topped given the new and larger location.

“It’s a family affair… Bring the family and pets, and come on down,” he said, noting that hot chocolate and cookies will be available for people, while other treats will be available for their furry friends.

Vosper described this as one of those fun SPCA events they do every year that highlights local people and their love of animals, as well as the work being done everyday to help stray and abandoned pets in the community.

In the meantime, poinsettias and wreaths are another way to raise some coin for the animals in need.

“A lot of people still believe that pointsettias are poisonous to animals. New research shows that they are not poisonous or toxic to pets,” Vosper clarified.

With that in mind, he and his staff and volunteers are once again selling the Christmas plants for $12 each.

As well, they’re selling 22-inches wreaths with berries and bows for $25.

Orders for both must be placed through the SPCA shelter before Nov. 30, with pickup schedule for Dec. 6.

“One hundred per cent goes to the Maple Ridge shelter, to help animals here,” Vosper felt it was important to note.

At present, there are about 85 animals being cared for by the local SPCA, at the Jackson Road shelter and in foster care.

“Any support we can received would be beneficial to the animals at the shelter.”

For more information about SPCA events, or animals available for adoption, people can visit their website at www.spca.bc.ca/branches/maple-ridge/ or like them on Facebook.