This holiday season time of giving, we can’t forget about fur-legged family members. Gateway Theatre invites audiences to join them in becoming pet champions by contributing to their Holiday Pet Food Bank Drive. During Gateway’s holiday production of Annie, from today, December 11 to January 3, theatre-goers are invited to bring a pet-related donation to the theatre lobby. All donations are being collected through the BC SPCA and will be given to Charlie’s Pet Food Bank during this holiday season. Audiences can also discover some of the BC SPCA’s adoptable pets in the second-floor lobby Gallery at Gateway Theatre.
Gateway Theatre will aim to collect the following items:
· Wet and dry food for cats and dogs (not open or expired)
· Treats for cats and dogs (not open or expired)
· Toys for cats and dogs
· Dog coats, collars, harnesses and leashes
This pet food and accessories drive highlights Gateway Theatre’s commitment to the welfare of dogs goes beyond the stage. By working with AnimalKind trainer, Rebecca Jennings, the production ensures the well-being of all three of the dogs that are appearing as Sandy during the show’s run. AnimalKind is an animal?welfare accreditation and referral program run by the BC SPCA. The program accredits dog?training and pet?care businesses that meet rigorous, science?based standards. Accredited providers must use humane, reward?based methods — avoiding any training tools or techniques that cause pain, fear, anxiety, or distress.
“Knowing how important the role of Sandy is to the heart of Annie, it was important for us to work with a designated trainer and ensure that our canine performers were treated with respect and well cared for,” said Barbara Tomasic, Gateway Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director. “Knowing what an incredible bond these animals provide their human companions, we knew we wanted to do something this holiday season to give back to them. This Holiday Pet Food Drive is about extending the love and joy of Annie towards pets and their owners, who need assistance this holiday season. We believe all animals deserve kindness, respect, and care far beyond the spotlight.”
All donations collected during Gateway Theatre’s Holiday Pet Food Bank drive will be given to Charlie’s Pet Food Bank, an organization that provides free and low-cost pet services for people who are homeless, living outdoors, low-income and senior pet guardians in downtown Vancouver.
Annie runs December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026 at Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond. Find more details about the production and ‘Sandy’s’ Holiday Pet Food Bank drive visit gatewaytheatre.com