For a quarter-century, Charlie’s Pet Food Bank has been a steady, compassionate lifeline for people and pets in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. What began in 2000 as a focused, volunteer-run response to help animals in need in the community has grown into a province-wide outreach service which keeps pets with their families, where they belong.
Charlie: The dog that started a movement
The very first BC SPCA pet food bank was named in memory of Charlie, a dog who arrived at our doors emaciated and in critical condition. He was much loved, but Charlie’s humans were struggling, and when people are suffering, their animals suffer too. Despite compassionate intensive care, Charlie struggled to hold on and crossed the rainbow bridge a few weeks later. His story became the quiet spark that gave life to a service that would provide love, food and vital resources to other pets in need. The driving force was helping pets and the people who love them, so fewer animals and guardians face a similar fate.
Now, every Tuesday you can find beloved pets and their humans collecting bags of kibble, wet food cans and kitty litter at Charlie’s pet food bank on Powell Street. The team of staff and volunteers know regulars well and many stop by for a chat, an extra treat for their pet or the opportunity to share their animal love with fellow pet guardians. Dogs with wagging tails can be found sniffing their way through a bin of toys until they find the perfect one to take home. Guardians can pick up extra supplies like a new harness or brush, as well as access basic grooming like nail trimming. Charlie’s is a weekly hub where people and pets can receive the TLC they deserve!
This is Vernon and his dog Maya! Maya is a sweet older gal who used to visit Charlie’s all of the time. Vernon is now able to support Maya on his own but he used to come regularly in times of need to help feed Maya when he couldn’t do it himself. Now they just come by for treats and so that Maya can bury her face in the toy bin and pick out a favourite toy to take! Maya passed away in the fall this year but Vernon still comes by to say hi and visit us”
Charlie’s food bank expansion
Over time and in response to rising need, the model of Charlie’s has grown into a program that reaches much further than just Vancouver. Demand surged dramatically during the pandemic, when families were struggling with financial uncertainty. Loneliness was at an all-time high and our animal friends were more important than ever. The BC SPCA made the ambitious decision to scale-up pet food distribution provincially, by working with 180 partner organizations to meet the heightened need and reach all corners of the province.
“We serve around 100 households a month right now, and I would say that at least once a day we do give out these donated items to people accessing hampers.
People often look relieved when they receive the food and litter: it is obviously one other thing taken care of at a time when money is tight.”
Impact in the community
Charlie’s keeps pets fed, healthy and part of their beloved families. It means no animal lover has to choose between feeding themselves or their special pet. In its 25th year, Charlie’s has already provided more than 100,000 meals to animals in need in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. But hard numbers don’t go deep enough – behind each one of those meals is a pet who shares unconditional love with their people, combatting loneliness with their companionship, improving mental health and sparking joy in their lives. By supporting guardians to care for their animals, we strengthen the social fabric of vulnerable communities.
“Jack and his dog, Lady Snugglepuss, have been accessing the BC SPCA Food Bank program for the last few years. Jack says that BC SPCA has helped him through times when he wasn’t able to work.
Recently, Jack shared that he found a new job and even saved up for a car! Lady Snugglepuss will be riding in style now with a car seat so she can look out the window. Congratulations Jack and Lady Snugglepuss!”
How you can help
Charlie’s and the wider BC SPCA pet food bank program depends on the caring contributions of animal-lovers like you. If you are in a position to, please make a loving gift to feed a pet today.
We also accept physical donations that can be distributed in the community. These can be dropped off at any BC SPCA location. Currently, the biggest needs are:
- Pet food for dogs, cats and small pets. Both dry and wet (they must be unopened and within expiry date)
- Cat litter
- Hay, for small pets
- New and gently used beds, leashes, collars, harnesses, carriers, toys, brushes, coats, etc.! We will also take pee pads and nail trimmers.
Accessing support
If you are in need of support for your pet, please contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline (1-855-622-7722) so they can provide you with details about what is available in your community. There is no need to register, everyone is welcome and we take a dignity-first approach.