Gunther’s Charity in Focus:

Gunther’s Family is the US Partner of

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

Ernesto's Sanctuary's brave and skilled staff are dedicated to caring for the forgotten victims of the civil war that has been raging for over ten years: the animals. Their mission is very simple: “To improve the lives of the animals in our area.”

Each one of the 2000+ 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 not have survived on their own. Many have been severely injured, having lost limbs, eyes, teeth, or their ability to walk without a prosthesis. However, the folks at Ernesto’s firmly believe that each life has a purpose and that the animals in their care should feel love and compassion.

Ernesto’s also operates the Winson Farm for animals who don’t happen to be cats. Winson’s Farm has nearly 100 animals, including dogs, donkeys, horses, goats, a fox, chickens, geese, monkeys, peacocks, sheep, and doves — at the latest 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 domestic, wild, and working farm animals in need, including neutering, vaccinations, and performing lifesaving operations every day. Recently, the team has begun remote clinics throughout the country to serve remote communities in the greatest need and the largest city, Damascus.

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