Aloha my name is Helen and my fundraiser is for my private cat sanctuary "One Cat Short of Crazy Sanctuary”, here on the island of Maui. I have been taking care of, feeding and healing these homeless cats for the last 22 years all on my own...but I now need that “village” and community to help me continue what I am doing.
- (A very sick old cat I rescued and for the first time lay on a soft blanket and ate food from a plate - he lived for 20 years in the colony and this was taken during his last few days.
Since the Lahaina Fires, I need help financially as it has become very challenging to continue this labor of love … more cats showing up so more cat food and vet emergencies.
I also welcome gift cards from Petco, Costco and Amazon where I buy most of my cat food and the cards can be sent to
PO Box 1237, Kihei, HI. 96763 USA
- (A basket full of Kittens, born in my bathroom
I have been doing what I do, not because it is "my thing" as my friend puts it, but I believe it is the "Right thing” as life is about having kindness and compassion towards all living things and helping when we can.
We have a huge homeless cat population on Maui and with the Lahaina fires more cats are have been displaced.. plus during the Lock Down many cats were trapped and dumped elsewhere on the island by neighbors who didn't want cats around their property - I have several at my cat colonies - (a cruel act as many cats were people’s loved pets - I have returned a few back to their families if they had a micro chip)
- (Another pregnant mama kitty that had her kittens at my place...all got adopted and so did mom)
I have about 7 colonies I drive out to feed every night. The cats all wait even when it rains or if there is a hurricane, so there is “ No I can't go out tonight".. They all get soaked and so do I.
- (Badly injured little guy with wounds on the top of his neck and under his chin .. I was devastated I wasn’t able to save his sister with the same wounds but more severe - I held her in my arms all night till she finally stopped moaning and fell asleep.
- I need the funds for wet and dry food, vet bills (2 outstanding emergency vet bills at $1000 at the moment), carriers (Giant dog carriers are my cat hospitals), cat supplies, medicine as I drive out every night to the south side of the island feeding about 60 plus cats including the injured ones I have at home...
- (Ginge my oldest homeless cat at 22 years - blind in one eye and limps (got hit by a car) but still going strong - has special wet food nightly and has a mind of her own, like her feeder)
I truly need help right now so I can continue what I am doing as there is no "I don't think I will do this anymore" as there is no way I can abandoned these cats who now relie on me.
Even when I’m exhausted and sick I still go out and feed, sometimes till 2 am
- (Brotherly Love - born at my place )
I am asking for a years cost of taking care of these animals not counting wear and tear on my car... which is another subject as in the last few months, on 2 separate occasions deer have ran across the road and badly damaged my car (yes we do have wild deer on Maui)....
- (Half Persian got dumped during lock down at my place)
Any amount donated will help me continue helping these homeless cats of Maui... Many thanks and deep gratitude for your kindness.
- (a week old sweetie - eyes just opened)
In the 22 years I have been feeding I have spent mostly my own money .. not taken any vacations and live a simple life. If you can spare $20 or more it will be most appreciated .. money is spent mostly for food and vet emergencies.
- (Just born - a few minutes old - had to help mom give birth to her 5 kittens - I was the mid wife - took several hours for 5 kittens to be born.. fascinating to observe the wonders of nature.)
- (Born in my bathroom - woke up to the sound of tiny kitten cries)
Some photographs and stories of the cats are on Instagram @onecatshortofcrazysanctuary
Thank you all very much for helping me help these homeless cats on Maui ❤️
A little about me… I’m an Artist and Underwater Photographer, Spiritual Life Coach (QHHT) and a cancer survivor from 30 years ago.
When one is faced with a life threatening disease (possibly death) one’s whole world is turned upside down, inside out… I was very young and it was a nightmare that couldn’t be happening to me!
So my soul went on a journey within..and one starts to contemplate what’s really important in life.. what is life really all about?
I found It’s a full heart that one has filled with love, kindness and compassion for all living things.. (even the annoying rooster at 3 am)
I didn’t plan on feeding all these homeless cats.. it just happened when 22 years ago I saw a starving mama cat and her babies, so started feeding them, then got them all fixed and soon feeding one family turned into feeding 7 colonies totaling about 65 plus cats..
John Lennon said “ Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” .. my other plan was hopefully to be married to the love of my life with 2 children, a beautiful home and vacations around the world, but cancer stole that dream.. cancer changes a person’s priorities in life and forces one to really look at the importance of what a life is truly about.
During my soul searching journey I found that a Successful Life is a full loving truthful heart without boundaries… without judgement… .and that’s what I hope I have ❤️
I don’t own a house, drive a new car, wear designer labels, eat in fancy restaurants nor have had a vacation in 22 years but I’m grateful everyday that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.. with the warm sun, clear ocean and being in the beauty of nature. I’m also grateful to be alive to enjoy it all.
So from my full heart, please assist me help all these sweet animals .. this $ isn’t for me but for them. ❤️
Thank you and Mahalo Nui Loa
