'Star Trek' Star Christina Chong & Her Pup Runa Help Raise Money for Charity Darwin's Dogs
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” star Christina Chong and her adorable canine companion, Runa, are raising money for Darwin Dogs.
Chong established a Crowdfunder to encourage fans to participate in the fundraiser for the incredible UK-registered charity. If you’d like to donate, click here.
In the overview section of the fundraiser, Chong – or should we say Runa – explained how important Darwin Dogs is for those who benefit from mental health service dogs. Runa shared that she “graduated from Darwin Dogs (a member of Assistance Dogs International) in April 2023” to assist Chong “with anxiety and PTSD.”
“I am hoping to raise money for my trainers so that others can benefit from the same program,” read a portion of the overview. “Darwin Dogs is a registered charity, the first of its kind in the UK, and it is run solely by the husband and wife team, Julie and David.”
According to the post, “due to their workload, [Julie and David] are unable to take on new clients.” However, if Chong and Runa “could raise enough money to hire support staff, they could open their doors to help more people live a magical life.”
In a November 10 Instagram Story, Chong explained that her life has been changed for the better because of Runa.
“She is the most precious dog and I can’t imagine life without her,” said the actress.
Chong also said she hoped by raising money for Darwin Dogs, she and Runa could help others struggling with their mental health.
Those Who Donate Will be Entered into a Raffle
Those who choose to donate to the Crowdfunder will be entered into a raffle to win different prizes. For instance, those who give £50 ($65) or more have the chance to have a Zoom call with Chong and Runa.
According to the Darwin Dog’s website, the charity helps individuals who have received “a formal diagnosis of a disabling mental health condition from a suitably qualified medical professional.” In addition, the charity’s mission “is to empower individuals to lead fuller, more independent lives by fostering a deep bond between them and their specially trained canine companions.”
Runa Appeared in an Episode of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’
Fans of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” will recognize Runa for the scene stealing role as Princess Runa, in season 1, episode 8, “The Elysian Kingdom.” In a behind-the-scenes interview, Chong explained that she asked one of the show’s producers and directors, Chris Fisher, if her canine companion could appear in “The Elysian Kingdom,” as it was a fantasy episode, where “anything goes.”
Chong also noted that she and Runa wore gorgeous matching dresses during the season 1 episode.
“The fantasy episode was my favorite episode of the entire show. Because who gets to play a fantasy princess, in the childhood dream princess dress, which is sparkly and glittery and twirls, and gets to have her little dog in it, in her own little princess costume,” said Chong.