I don’t know where you are right now as you read this. But if you’re just about anywhere in the United States, you are dealing with some seriously cold weather. Here in southern Illinois last night the low was TWO DEGREES, with a wind chill in the negative teens. And I know there are many places in much worse shape than that! Of course, my mind always takes me to the animals. I have to work hard to NOT think about the stray cats and dogs suffering through a night like last night. I have to focus on the few I am responsible for. And so, at 9pm last night, walking from the cathouse and kennel with my hood pulled up against the brutal north wind, I glanced back at those two buildings. Every dog and cat within those shelters was warm and cozy and comfortable and fed. Yes – I wish I could save them all. But I am SO happy to have a place for at least a few.
And so . . . with that in mind, TODAY is the day I officially launch my Winnie’s Wish Building Fundraiser. The goal is to add a room on to the cathouse for the comfort of those warm and cozy cats who call Winnie’s Wish home (sometimes for years) and for the future Winnie’s Wishers yet to cross my path. This extra room will provide more space and afford an opportunity for me to keep the more timid cats in an area of their own. It would be a dream come true!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I was actually successful setting up a GoFundMe campaign. (The link is at the top of the sidebar.) The funny thing was that as soon as I had it set up, the GoFundMe people automatically posted it to my Facebook page. As Jeanne (Random Felines) said with a laugh – “sounds like you got a premature launch there.” Yep. GoFundMe got this thing going a little before I was fully on top of it. I still had the wrong video slideshow embedded in my campaign until late last night. And two wonderful friends contributed before I even knew how to view what was coming in. But never fear – I’m moving around inside the site a little better now. I’m still learning, but the fundraiser is LIVE. Virginia (Poupounette Gang) was THE FIRST GoFundMe contributor - so in her words –
Let’s do this!
Here is my plea, dear Friends. I will be posting fundraiser updates here and on Facebook in the days ahead. Will you please share? Recently, I had a FB picture shared so many times (25 shares) that the reach exceeded 2,000 people. With your help, I KNOW it’s possible to get this fundraiser shared and shared and shared. It’s still hard for me to imagine raising enough money to build this addition, but I won’t know if I don’t try. And I’ve got some wonderful Friends (YOU) who care about animals as much as I do. So Friends – PLEASE SHARE.
Here we go . . .
Have a great weekend. Stay warm.
I am not sure how the site works. When we go over there a lot of sites are on the go fund me.
so how do we do this to see you get the money at
Winnies Wish? I am not good at doing things on the internet. - Thanks
Posted by: ginny & the Fur Family | 01/08/2015 at 07:59 AM
What an impactful video Chrystal. I will see what I can do to promote your efforts as widely as possible. Best of luck
Posted by: Savannah's Paw Tracks | 01/08/2015 at 09:08 AM
GINNY - click on the graphic at the top of the sidebar (to the right) on the blog. That takes you to the Winnie's Wish GoFundMe campaign. AND THANKS!!!
Posted by: Chrystal | 01/08/2015 at 09:23 AM
we have faith this will happen....what a great start. :)
Posted by: Random Felines | 01/08/2015 at 10:12 AM
Whoo hoo! It's up and going! Oh I know we can do this! Just keep sharing and spreading the word! I can't wait to see the room going up!
Let's make sure we share the kitties too! It would be great if we could get a bunch adopted out so the cathouse is as empty as possible when they start construction!
Posted by: Andrea and the Celestial Kitties | 01/08/2015 at 10:57 AM
Day one isn't over and we're almost at one tenth! Way to go, everyone!
Posted by: The Poupountte | 01/08/2015 at 01:05 PM
Savannah's Paw Tracks - thank you for your comment about the video. These are all real animals who came here in the "before" shape and recovered to the "after" condition. I'm glad you find it impactful. It's meant to be. And thank you for being willing to promote this. I sure do appreciate that.
Random Felines, Celestial Kitties, and Poupounette Gang - thanks for having faith in this mission!!
Posted by: Chrystal | 01/08/2015 at 02:09 PM
Three degrees here last night in CT, and as usual on really cold nights, I lay awake worrying about the homeless fur babies out there. That's why we all do what we do, at whatever level we work in animal rescue. Chrystal, fingers crossed and prayers sent skyward that you will reach your goal! You deserve it, and so do the wonderful Winnie's Wishers that you save!!
Posted by: Maria in CT | 01/08/2015 at 03:08 PM
Thanks for the help- I got on and it worked just fine. I hope it mounts up so much over night that we will all be amazed tomorrow. A lot of folks are on the computer over the weekends so more will see it every day. Best wishes to all.
Posted by: ginny & the Fur Family | 01/08/2015 at 06:48 PM
we herd from tim & tom over at random felines bout yur project N wanted ta say we hope ya raiz 90 bazillion $$$ de best oh fishes two ewe N high paws N headbonks for all ewe due ♥♥
Posted by: da tabbies o trout towne | 01/09/2015 at 03:35 PM
Hi chrystal I got your e-mail but for some reason mine to you wouldn't go. I may have the wrong mail address. Hope the weather warms up and all is well..Just wanted you to know I got it..
Posted by: ginny & the Fur Family | 01/09/2015 at 05:43 PM