Feed & Heal Stray Cats in Gaby’s Memory
Donation protected
Gaby’s Cat Haven: A Loving Legacy for Stray Cats
My name is John Ridings, and I’m honored to introduce Gaby’s Cat Haven in memory of my daughter, Gabriela Ridings, who passed away suddenly while attending college in Florida on October 9, 2024. Gaby had a heart full of compassion, especially for animals, and a deep love for stray cats. On our last family trip to the Philippines, Gaby dedicated time every day to feed and care for the stray cats around our resort, often buying food and water to tend to them. One particular black cat left a strong impression on her, and she often talked about how much she wished she could rescue it.
Gaby’s passion for helping stray cats is the heart of this charity, which we’ve named Gaby’s Cat Haven. This organization will focus on aiding stray cats in Juliville, a neighborhood in Davao City, Philippines, where her Filipino grandmother, uncle, and Auntie Joy reside. For many years, Auntie Joy has informally rescued and cared for stray cats in the area. We are formalizing her efforts with Gaby’s Cat Haven, empowering her to expand her compassionate work in Gaby’s name.
Mission Statement
Gaby’s Cat Haven is a grassroots animal welfare initiative dedicated to honoring the compassionate spirit of Gabriela Ridings by protecting and caring for stray cats in Juliville, Davao City. We are committed to reducing feline overpopulation through spaying and neutering, providing emergency medical care, and ensuring consistent nourishment for vulnerable street cats. Inspired by Gaby’s love for animals, we work to create a safer, kinder world for strays—one meal, one rescue, and one life at a time.
Goals of Gaby’s Cat Haven
1. Spay and Neuter Initiative
- Reduce the stray cat population in Juliville by subsidizing or fully covering the cost of spay and neuter surgeries.
- Partner with local veterinarians or mobile clinics to conduct monthly or quarterly spay/neuter drives
- Educate local residents about the importance of sterilization in reducing suffering and improving feline welfare.
2. Emergency Medical Care
- Provide funding for urgent medical treatment of injured or sick stray cats, including wound care, parasite treatment, and infections.
- Establish a small emergency fund to respond to urgent rescue situations and provide transport to veterinary clinics.
3. Feeding and Nourishment
- Ensure consistent, nutritious feeding for stray cats through daily rounds by volunteers and caretakers.
- Supply dry and canned food, clean water, and feeding stations in key locations where strays gather.
- Document feedings with photos and updates to maintain donor engagement and transparency.
4. Support for Local Caregivers
- Provide Auntie Joy and other volunteers with necessary supplies (food, litter, medicine, first aid kits, etc.).
- Formalize Auntie Joy’s role as primary caretaker and coordinator for local operations, with financial oversight and quarterly reporting.
5. Community Outreach and Volunteer Engagement
- Launch a local volunteer program that trains individuals to assist with feeding, rescue, and basic medical aid.
- Equip volunteers with “rescue backpacks” containing food, gloves, antiseptic, and transport carriers.
6. Awareness and Global Inspiration
- Use Gaby’s story to inspire others around the world to take action for stray animals in their own communities.
- Encourage followers to share their own rescue stories and promote kindness toward animals through social media and storytelling.
7. Transparency and Accountability
- Maintain detailed financial records with receipts and quarterly reports available to donors and supporters.
- Share regular updates, photos, and success stories through the Gaby’s Cat Haven Facebook page to keep the community informed.
Please follow all updates for Gaby's Cat Haven through our Facebook Page
Organizer
John Ridings
Organizer
Evanston, IL