At the end of last year, an electrical failure started a fire in the Last Hope Cat Kingdom, the only no-kill animal sanctuary in Merced County in California’s Central Valley. Smoke caused extensive damage as firefighters raced to rescue the felines inside. They were able to save approximately 200 cats; however, dozens sadly perished. Even though all the cat rooms had doors leading outside, it is thought that the animals may have been overcome with smoke too quickly to escape on their own.

Renate Schmitz, founder of the sanctuary that was also home to other animals, asked for donations of items like blankets, crates, tarps and food, and fostered the cats during the time the facility was being rebuilt. Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately offered a US$10,000 contribution which was presented by our San Jose Association members on January 4, Golden Year 8 (2011), to be used towards the reconstruction of this no-kill shelter.

Thanking Master for Her extraordinarily generous gift, Ms. Schmitz wrote in a letter, “Your gift will help us to rebuild our cattery after the tragic fire of December 31, 2010, as well as to carry on our mission of helping homeless animals in Merced County…. We are touched and honored by the compassionate gesture of support from Supreme Master Ching Hai and everyone in your organization.”

We pray for the swift recovery of Last Hope Cat Kingdom so that they can carry on their mission of helping homeless animals in the community.

Thank you letter from Ms. Renate Schmitz for US$10,000 contribution from Master

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