Barry Zarudenec's 10-year-old idea of bringing people together in support of Penticton's SPCA is as strong as ever in 2024.

More than $26,000 was raised for the non-profit at the Copper Mug Pub on Nov. 2, during the local carpenter's eighth annual fundraiser event.

Since its inception in 2015, Zarudenec's fundraiser has raised a total of $151,039.50.

"Barry is vital in how he connects the community to come out and support the cause," said Amrika Tikasingh, manager of SPCA's Penticton branch. "This money specifically goes back to our centre and helps us give back and support the animals."

Featuring 50/50 draws, music, dinner, and a live and silent auction at one of B.C.'s oldest pubs, the fundraiser brought together around 150 people.

Total money raised from the event surpasses last year鈥檚 $22,500 mark, with funds set to be used to help the community's most vulnerable animals.

"It's a huge boom to the community," said Holly Williams, animal care supervisor at the local SPCA, which serves the South Okanagan and Similkameen. "Barry's been doing this for years to support us and it's just awesome."

Zarudenec has led fundraising efforts since 2015, dating back to when the event took place at Penticton鈥檚 Fraternal Order Of Eagles.

Now at the Copper Mug, the Penticton resident says he's amazed every year with the community's generosity.

鈥淚t's unbelievable," Zarudenec added.

The SPCA's animal shelter in Penticton is located at 2200 Dartmouth Dr. The non-profit also operates a pet food bank.

"We are a donor-funded organization and can't do it without people like Barry," Tikasingh said. "We're very grateful to the community."