As a volunteer, she was always amazed at "how generous people are" and said most of them had tales to tell about animals.
Her first adoption, 14 years ago, was a kitten which was thrown from a bridge in a sack, and her most recent, five years ago, was a dog which was found in an emaciated state with six puppies.
Otago SPCA executive officer Phil Soper said the collection was the organisation's major fundraiser and he hoped people would be generous to ensure the expensive business of caring for animals and rehabilitating them for adoption could continue.
About 150 people will be collecting in Dunedin, Mosgiel, Central Otago, Balclutha and Milton between 10am and 4pm.