Sponsored Charities

Gunther’s Charity in Focus:

ERNESTO’S SANCTUARY (a.k.a. House of Cats Ernesto) — Northwest Syria, squarely within the war zone.

The brave and skilled staff of Ernesto’s Sanctuary are dedicated to caring for the forgotten victims of the civil war that has been raging for over ten years: the animals. As Ernesto’s told us, their mission is a simple one: “To improve the lives of the animals in our area.”

Each one of over 1500 cats at Ernesto’s — cats of all sizes, shapes, colors, young and old, playful and shy — is a survivor with a unique story. Most of them were abandoned when their owners fled from the bombing or were born in the streets of deserted and ruined towns, where they would have not survived on their own. Many have been severally injured, having lost limbs, eyes, teeth, or their ability to walk without prosthesis. However, the folks at Ernesto’s believe firmly that each life has a purpose and that the animals in their care should feel love and compassion.

Ernesto’s also operates a sanctuary for animals who don’t happen to be cats. Winson’s Farm is home to 24 dogs, 4 donkeys, 3 horses, 7 goats, 1 fox, 10 chickens, 2 geese, 1 duck, 5 monkeys, 2 peacocks, 3 sheep, and 4 doves — at the last count. All were rescued from unsurvivable situations.

The key to Ernesto’s work is a commitment to serving and supporting the local community as much as possible. Local residents are employed at all levels, and Ernesto’s provides ongoing education and advice to address the daily needs of their community. Ernesto’s maintains a well-equipped Veterinary Clinic, open to the public, where people can bring their animals for treatment free of charge. Two fully qualified vets and an animal nursing team offer first aid and treatment to wild or farm animals in need, neutering pets, and performing lifesaving operations every week.

While their official focus is the animals, the staff of Ernesto’s Sanctuary is keenly aware that they must always be a haven for hope. Without the trust and respect of the people they serve, Ernesto’s simply couldn’t be as effective as it is.

For specific donation inquiries about Ernesto’s Sanctuary, please email us at: Ernestos@gunthersfamily.org.

100% of your donations go directly to Ernesto’s*