A Hero for Stray Animals Needs Help with Car Repairs

My name is Debra Holliday,

I am starting this fundraiser for my friend, Richard Flores, who helps hundreds of animals, mainly cats; but he loves ALL animals and helps as many as possible.

He drives to over 30 cat colony locations every night, feeding and caring for well over a hundred cats. And his route continues to grow, with more cats being added as he finds them in need. He has to have a working car, otherwise these cats will not be fed or cared for. They are strays and live on the streets.

Richard has sacrificed his own health to provide food and care for these cats; he was recently in a major car accident and has ongoing health issues. But that doesn't stop him. He never misses a night of caring for the many cats on his route.

He works very hard to buy food and supplies for these cats. They depend on him to show up each night; he is IT--usually the only meal they have all day.

But Richard doesn't just feed the cats; he shows them love and picks them up to pet them; he wants them to feel loved and not forgotten. He is very much emotionally connected to the welfare of these babies. He gets to know them each individually.

He notices when a certain cat doesn't show up or won't come eat with the group, and he will go to great lengths to find a no-show, and to make sure the outliers are fed before he leaves.

Richard also has facilitated many cats going to fosters and rescues--when he encounters cats that need medical attention or orphaned kittens. His heart is huge.

He also helps get as many cats as he can get spayed/neutered, to help with the stray overpopulation. He works with others to trap and get the cats to the vet.

Richard spends all of his discretionary money on cat food, paper plates (cats can't eat off the concrete--the hard, rough surface scratches their tongue, so he uses paper plates); and also fuel in order to drive to the cats' locations.

It takes hours each night for Richard to visit his many cat colonies around the city. He also picks up new colonies as he finds them. He usually doesn't get home from feeding until 2 am or later. Then, he has to go to work early the next morning and do it all over again.

But Richard now is in danger of losing his only transportation--his car needs expensive work on the suspension and brakes. He is even afraid to drive his car but has no choice.

Richard works as a waiter, very long hours. But even working long hours, he cannot afford to pay for these car repairs. The estimate for the repairs is about $1800. Please see the photos of the estimate from the repair shop below. This estimate is about $1500, but it doesn't include the brake work. I added another $300 for his brake repairs.

These cats desperately need the love and meals Richard provides. He has to be able to get to them with a working car.

Please help this man who helps so many strays in his city. He cares for so many, and now he needs help. We appreciate any help you can give, even $1, $5, anything helps.

Thank you.