Vancouver’s largest event in support of animals, Offleashed, returns in person on October 15th bringing together hundreds of animal lovers to celebrate the BC SPCA’s lifesaving work. I caught up with the Chair of Offleashed, Tracey Wade, to learn more about this unique event and the cause it supports.
Tracey Wade at Offleashed with “Wade”
QA with Tracey Wade, Chair of Offleashed
Miss604: The event is back in person after being virtual for a few years, I’d love to know more about its history, how did it begin?
Wade:Offleashed came to be in 2015 for a couple of reasons, all driven by a deep love and respect for animals from everyone involved. Firstly, because I have worked for a long time volunteering for charity events I felt the BC SPCA, and the wealth of programs it runs throughout the province, was not widely understood. Secondly, the BC SPCA had no marque event to provide a platform to share details of these lifesaving programs. And thirdly, my life’s goal is to have a positive impact on as many animals as I can before I’m gone. So, with my background in broadcasting and storytelling, we were off and running with his amazing event to celebrate animals and the great works of the BC SPCA.
Miss604: What makes Offleashed unique?
Wade: What makes this event different from other big evening charity events? So many things, but I think what our thousands of guests over the years would initially point to is our – Cuddle Lounge! We have rescued puppies, kittens, and other animals for our Offleashed guests to snuggle and learn about. And a cool fact – all animals featured in our Cuddle Lounges since Offleashed began (in 2015) have been adopted because of the event! Another big difference that sets Offleashed apart from the pack is that I focus on education and growing a compassionate animal loving community. I believe to do that we need to involve youth, so Offleashed warmly welcomes families.
Miss604: Why does the BC SPCA need our support right now (and always)?
Wade: The BC SPCA needs community support now more than ever. The past few years have brought floods, fires, a pandemic, an upsurge of housing insecurity, increasing food insecurity, and many other hurdles that have caused a spike in the need for help for the animals. And I think we, as a society, are becoming more aware of the needs of others…maybe the pandemic helped this shift…I don’t know. The BC SPCA is there first and foremost for the animals. Absolutely. But there are so many programs that help humans too, and with only increasing need, humans and their pets, and all the animals in crisis in BC right now, need support. The BC SPCA is completely reliant on the public. And it is amazing what this organization does and continues to do.
Miss604: I read that you’ve even had a puppy named after you at a previous Offleashed. For you, personally, how important is it to give back and become involved in such worthy causes?
Wade: Our Offleashed event in 2018 happened to fall on my birthday, which I didn’t tell anyone about. But, one kind BC SPCA staff member figured it out and arranged for an adorable puppy being featured in our Cuddle Lounge that year to be named “Wade” (my last name). Of course when I cuddled “Wade” I couldn’t keep it together, what a sweet soul.
But as is the case for all of our Cuddle Lounge animals, “Wade” was adopted and has gone on to live his best life in a loving home. I feel driven to do this work, as I do with my work in mental health at Coast Mental Health and kids health at BC Children’s Hospital, because everyone at a low point deserves kindness, care, and safety.
I love working with the BC SPCA because so many of the organization’s programs are driven by community need and benefit animals and their guardians: pet food banks, free vet clinics, free boarding for those fleeing domestic abuse or entering treatment care, investigating acts of cruelty, educating children at summers camps and in schools, and the list goes on. It’s easy to go on your merry way when you are not informed. But when you know, when you see, you can’t help but get involved or support those who are doing something. And I think, I hope, that’s what Offleashed does – helps people of all ages see and feel, and to add their voices to those standing up for animals in BC.
Miss604: What can folks do to show support if they are unable to attend?
Wade: Anyone can be a friend to animals. Keep up with current issues by visiting the BC SPCA website, volunteer, and donate if you can. But most of all, be kind to animals and all living things. And if you see an animal in crisis, call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.
The 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival (“VIFF”) presents the VIFF Talks series October 2-7, which provides a platform for industry professionals to share their expertise, going beyond the screen. One of these presentations is An Evening with Michael Abels, a special one-night only event with two-time Emmy-nominated composer Michael Abels (Get Out, Nope) featuring the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Michael Abels, Tiffany Townsend, John “Adidam” Littlejohn
An Evening with Michael Abels at VIFF Talks
When: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 7:00pm
Where: Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St, Vancouver)
Michael Abels is known for his genre-defying scores for the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us, for which Abels won a World Soundtrack Award and the Jerry Goldsmith Award, among others. The hip-hop influenced score for Us was shortlisted for the Oscar. Abels’ creative output also includes the concert work At War With Ourselves for the Kronos Quartet and the opera Omar, co-composed with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Rhiannon Giddens.
Abels is co-founder of the Composers Diversity Collective, an advocacy group to increase visibility of composers of colour in film, gaming, and streaming media.
Just announced is the addition of two black soloists who will be joining the VSO, including Vancouver’s own violinist John “Adidam” Littlejohn and LA Opera’s soprano Tiffany Townsend.
Enter to Win
I have a pair of tickets to give away for this evening of insight, creativity, and performances of Abels’ music. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Brother: In Conversation with Clement Virgo, Director
Sunday, October 2 – 6:00pm at The Annex
Acclaimed director-writer Clement Virgo is one of Canada’s foremost film directors. His numerous TV credits include Empire, The Wire, The L Word, and CBC’s record-breaking The Book of Negroes, which he directed and co-wrote. Join us for a unique conversation and get new insights into his acclaimed film, Brother, a VIFF 2022 Showcase selection. The talk is moderated by his fellow Canadian Film Centre graduate, Vancouver-based director Mina Shum.
In Conversation with Costume Designer, Deborah L. Scott
Monday, October 3 – 7:00pm at The Annex
Best known for her work in James Cameron’s record-breaking blockbuster Titanic, which won her the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, Deborah Lynn Scott has earned more than 50 credits for her work, which include the iconic films Back to the Future, Minority Report, and Transformers. Join us for a fascinating conversation about Scott’s process: designing costumes for action movies versus period pieces, the importance of research, and creative collaboration required to pull off a director’s vision.
Don’t Worry Darling: Production Design Masterclass with Katie Byron
Wednesday, October 5 – 7:00pm at The Annex
Production designer Katie Byron recently reunited with director Olivia Wilde on one of the most anticipated films of 2022, Don’t Worry Darling, where she created a glamorous look for a 1950s experimental, utopian suburban community. Come hear about Byron’s collaborations, working with directors, and designing the perfect look, feel, and shape of a utopian realm.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, In Conversation with Dean Fleischer Camp, Director
Friday, October 7 – 1:00pm via VIFF Connect
In 2010, Dean Fleischer Camp, an award-winning filmmaker and New York Times bestselling author, along with Jenny Slate, created a short film about Marcel, an endearingly cheerful talking shell with one eye and little shoes. The little character became a viral hit, leading to a feature adaptation produced by A24. We’re excited to hear Fleischer Camp share his singular process about creating a feature film that combines elements of narrative, documentary, improvisation, and two forms of animation.
The 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival runs September 29th to October 9th.
On Friday, September 30th we recognize and observe the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day). Everyone is encouraged to commemorate and recognize this day of active listening and action, and participate in Indigenous-led programming.
Join Dress for Success Vancouver (“DFSV”) at their 10th annual Success Luncheon on November 2nd. Presented by BlueShore Financial, this event supports Dress for Success Vancouver’s work to empower women into good jobs, financial independence and personal success.
The theme of the 10th Luncheon is full circle, representing the thousands of women that began their journey with Dress for Success and now continue to empower other women into the workforce.
Success Luncheon with Dress for Success Vancouver
When: Wednesday November 2, 2022 10:30am to 2:30pm
This annual Luncheon celebrates the Dress for Success Vancouver community of sponsors, supporters, ambassadors and champions. The event is hosted by CBC’s Michelle Eliot and includes featured guest Dress for Success CEO, Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, as well as DFSV Executive Director and Chair of the Dress for Success Canada Foundation, Amy Robichaud.
The 2023 Inspiration Award winner, Silvia Ivanov, will be acknowledged and will share her journey through Dress for Success Vancouver programming and her passion for continuing to give back to the community through her career and volunteer work.
The popular Market Hall returns with a shopping experience featuring jewelry, luxury fashion, home goods and gifts by local, women-owned retailers. In addition to lunch, the featured guest keynote and award presentation, guests will be invited to enjoy the silent auction and wall of wine fundraiser, have a professional headshot taken and purchase raffle tickets to win a variety of local and luxury prizes and experiences.
Success Luncheon Volunteers – Photo submitted
About DFSV
Dress for Success Vancouver is a registered charity committed to empowering women in our community into employment, financial independence, and personal success. An affiliate of the international organization, Dress for Success, DFSV was established in 1999 as the first international affiliate and has served over 39,000 women in the Lower Mainland. Based on the median income for women from the 2016 City of Vancouver Census data, that is a potential economic engine of almost $1 billion. The Success Luncheon celebrates the community that has built Dress for Success Vancouver from a grassroots organization to a leader in the economic empowerment of women.
