We’re Macha and Pasha, and we’ve organised this fundraiser to support our dear friend Raisa—a remarkable local artist and someone we love very much—through an incredibly difficult time.

Raisa is a unique, award-winning artist whose work explores grief, loss, endings, and living with intense mental health challenges. She is uncompromising, funny, clever, and deeply compassionate—and she means the world to us. Recent events in her life have been especially hard, and right now she needs community support.

We all have different people and things in life that keep us going, bring joy and solace. In 2009, a stray cat gave birth to six kittens on Raisa’s sofa. Raisa kept the whole family, and they became a huge part of her life. Wallace, the last of the litter, recently passed away after a long period of illness that required costly veterinary care. Raisa is now grieving deeply while also facing significant and unexpected bills for Wallace’s treatment and cremation.

We know this is a challenging time of year, but even a small donation could make a meaningful difference. Your contribution will help cover Wallace’s vet and cremation costs, and—just as importantly—show Raisa that she is valued, cared for, and not alone.

If you’re able, please donate whatever you can and consider sending Raisa a message of kindness, hope, or solidarity. Let’s come together to support someone who gives so much through her art and her friendship.

To learn more about Raisa’s work on grief, loss, and mental health, visit:

www.raisawatkiss.org .

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting