Charlie’s Pet Food Bank

Whether we own a dog or a cat, a snake or a hamster – our pets play a significant role in our lives. They provide us with endless love and loyalty, but as owners we sometimes aren’t able to reciprocate their devotion, due to our busy lives. However, for the less fortunate, they have no option but to scrape together whatever they can – in order for their pets to survive. Despite their severe lack of wealth, the homeless will often make sure to feed and take care of their pets first, before they even have a chance to fend for themselves. As the winter season rolls around, their struggle for efficient care becomes much more difficult as the streets get colder and the weather more harsh.

Thankfully, with the help of BCSPCA’s Charlie’s Food Bank, the vulnerable people of our community have found a resource for their pets’ essential needs. Kim Monteith, the co-founder of Charlie’s, has been serving as the head of the organization for over 20 years. Along with the help of several volunteers, vet techs, and veterinarians, Kim has been able to provide the best care to the people and their pets in need. With their focus on the Downtown East Side, the organization is stationed at Jacob’s Well – where staff members of the association head down once a week, to provide the less fortunate with various pet necessities such as food, toys, leashes, etc. From training tips to nail trims, they also provide weekly services which include vital health checks, information on basic pet care, referrals to animal hospitals, and registration for either a discounted cat/dog spay/neuter or Charlie’s free vet clinic. Overall, this community-based initiative helps encourage owners on their path of taking accountability and ownership for their animals.

As mentioned, the holidays can be especially tough for the vulnerable population and their pets. At this time of year, the organization would usually be in preparation to host their annual event, “Charlie’s Christmas”. However, due to Covid-19 and its safety protocols, this year they have instead decided to “help bring joy to the pets in need” through Charlie’s Holiday Toy Drive. From November 17th to December 17th, the BCSPCA will be accepting any donations such as animal toys, clothes, or treats through a drop off at their location.

Diane Waters, an associate at Charlie’s says the mission of their organization is to “improve the lives of pets living in the Downtown East Side,” as well as “create a safe space for the vulnerable population through the care of their animals”. While enhancing the welfare and safety for domestic animals, the organization has become a helpful resource for those in need. Charlie’s Pet Food Bank continues to build positive relationships within our community. This upcoming holiday season – make a donation to the BCSPCA Charlie’s Holiday Toy Drive to help make a change for the animals who need it most.

Written by Jenny Lee

Poster for Charlie’s Holiday Toy Drive

Diane Waters, an associate at Charlie’s says the mission of their organization is to “improve the lives of pets living in the Downtown East Side,” as well as “create a safe space for the vulnerable population through the care of their animals”. While enhancing the welfare and safety for domestic animals, the organization has become a helpful resource for those in need. Charlie’s Pet Food Bank continues to build positive relationships within our community. This upcoming holiday season – make a donation to the BCSPCA Charlie’s Holiday Toy Drive to help make a change for the animals who need it most.