Cat Guardians, the Lombard animal shelter where firefighters rescued at least 30 cats from a fire Sunday, Nov. 1, says no cats died in the blaze.
Some cats escaped during the rescue and efforts are underway to find them, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by organizer Jenna Paradis on behalf of the shelter.
The fire on East St. Charles Road destroyed nearly everything Cat Guardians uses to care for its animals, the campaign states. Food, medicine, litter, beds, cages, carriers, blankets, toys and cleaning supplies all need to be replaced.
"We are essentially starting from scratch," the campaign page reads.
The nonprofit already has a new building to move into, according to the fundraiser. Details about the new location and timeline were not included.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 3, the campaign had raised $28,665 from 362 donations.
As we reported Monday, the Village of Lombard posted a social media alert shortly before 10 p.m. Nov. 1 notifying residents that crews were responding to a structure fire at the shelter. The village said firefighters rescued at least 30 cats and that fire officials believed most had been accounted for, though the total number had not been confirmed.
Shaw Local reported the rescue count, citing the village. The Lombard Police Department assisted with traffic control during the response.
Cat Guardians has operated for more than 35 years, according to its website. The shelter takes in stray and homeless cats and offers adoption and foster care.
No fire cause has appeared in public statements as of Nov. 3.
