Aloha,
It’s been an emotional and adrenaline-filled three weeks, and the damage and loss from the Maui wildfire disasters that struck Kula and Lāhainā on August 8th and 9th is far from over. Rescue recovery efforts are still in full force. We are all in a deep state of mourning for the loss both known and unknown.
We are collectively holding our breath as other crises emerge: displaced families, contaminated water, toxic environments, an economic crash and many animals still desperately needing help. Externally, we like to keep a positive perspective in order to inspire hope, but we admit that it has been challenging at times to feel positive internally.
So, we feel it’s a good time to reflect on the incredible efforts and generosity shown by the community in order to share gratitude and inspire others.
Here is a brief recap of what Good Cat Network has accomplished since the disaster.
With bi-monthly flights and combined efforts with our partners Honi Honi Cats Maui and Aloha Air Cargo, our Operation Aloha Cat program transferred 540 cats prior to the wildfire disasters.
In the past 3 weeks we have flown 87 cats to four separate transfer partners: PAWS, The NOAH Center, Seattle Humane and Meow Stories. We had the opportunity to fly our good cats on three separate airlines: Aloha Air Cargo, Alaska Air Cargo and ROAM Maui. There were several organizations that assisted in transfer, boarding, and the collection and distribution of supplies, including The Critter Room, Whiskers at Home, Feline Friends of Sammamish, and Homeward Pet Adoption Center.
Rescue Kitties of Hawai’i offered boarding, Oahu transportation and laid the incredible groundwork for our 26-cat flight flight to Meow Stories.
Our clinic team Veterinarian Sally and Tech Kelli have been so understanding and available for our extra clinics — three back-to-back weeks in a row, two of which included cats going on two separate flights. The Ellison family has always been incredibly generous by offering their space for hosting our clinics and storage.
Jennie and Emily at Honi Honi Cats Maui have been our dedicated partners and integral to the flight process going smoothly. We can’t imagine the Operation Aloha Cat program without them.
We were able to finance these additional flights due to generous monetary and service contributions from far and wide. The support has been overwhelming.
It was only a couple of months ago we celebrated a milestone of 500 cats finding loving homes after being flown through Operation Aloha Cat. As of today, the number is 627.
Good Cat Network might operate the Aloha Cat program, but it would be absolutely impossible without the participation and support of our partners, donors, volunteers and collaborators.
We cannot express how grateful we are to have each and every one of you. You give Good Cat Network life. We wouldn’t be here without you.
Aloha, and thank you for staying Maui Strong with us.
