James Ryder’s Cat-Shelter Fundraiser Raises €25,000 in Eight Hours
A community appeal launched by Maltese comedian James Ryder has raised €25,000 in just eight hours to help protect animals living in local shelters.
Ryder announced that the fundraising drive was officially closed after donations reached the €25,000 cap, describing himself as speechless at the public’s response.
The money was initially being raised to help Carers for Stray and Abandoned Felines, better known as CSAF, purchase a generator following a lengthy electricity outage.
Power cut placed vulnerable cats at risk
The appeal began after CSAF was left without electricity for around 20 hours during a period of intense summer heat.
The shelter cares for an estimated 300 to 400 cats, including animals recovering from surgery or illness. Its medical areas depend on controlled temperatures, meaning an extended loss of electricity could place vulnerable cats in serious danger.
Although electricity was eventually restored, Ryder warned that another power cut could happen during the summer or in future years.
After speaking with the shelter, he learned that its priority was a high-powered generator capable of keeping essential facilities operating during an outage.
Donations quickly passed the initial target
The response from the public was immediate.
The fundraiser had already passed €13,000 within hours, including one individual donation of €1,000. It then continued climbing until it reached the final cap of €25,000.
Ryder said the official generator quotation came in below the full amount collected, meaning the remaining funds can potentially help other shelters once the most urgent purchase has been covered.
However, the exact distribution of the remaining money has not yet been announced.
Other shelters could also receive support
Ryder thanked everyone who contributed and said updates would be shared over the coming days to show where the money is being directed.
He also credited Yaz Mirabella of Mirabella’s Vet Nursing & Pet Sitting Services, who is contacting shelters to ask what equipment or assistance they currently require.
The €25,000 drive is now closed. Ryder said donations received beyond the cap would be returned rather than retained without a confirmed purpose.
A powerful community response
What began as an urgent attempt to help one shelter secure backup electricity quickly became a wider effort to assist animals across Malta.
The fundraiser’s success also highlighted how severely lengthy summer power cuts can affect animal sanctuaries, particularly those caring for sick, elderly or recovering animals.
For Ryder, CSAF, Mirabella and the shelters set to benefit, the next step will be ensuring that every euro is directed towards practical support.
Further updates are expected once the generator purchase and wider allocation of the funds have been finalised.
