In a devastating blow to its mission, SpayMart has been forced to close its beloved thrift store and cat adoption center at Lafreniere Plaza—an anchor of support for more than a decade. Now, as GiveNOLA Day approaches on Tuesday, May 6, SpayMart is issuing an urgent call to action: help us continue saving lives.
“For us, GiveNOLA Day isn’t just another fundraising campaign—it’s our lifeline,” said Lynn Chiche, SpayMart President. “We’ve lost our home base, but we haven’t lost hope. With community support, we can rebuild—and keep helping the animals who need us most.”
SpayMart has served as a safety net for thousands of animals in Louisiana and Mississippi. The now-closed adoption center was a quiet, low-stress haven for cats awaiting families, while proceeds from the thrift store funded lifesaving veterinary care, food distribution, and emergency rescue.
In 2024 alone, SpayMart:
- Performed 1,496 spay/neuter surgeries
- Administered 3,136 vaccines
- Distributed 8,388 pounds of pet food to families in need
- Covered $183,685 in veterinary expenses
- Placed 728 cats and kittens in loving homes
The organization also operates a sanctuary in Picayune, Mississippi, home to more than 300 rescued cats. Many are transported to New Orleans for adoption, giving them a new lease on life and connecting Louisiana families with grateful companions.
Among those rescued is Roseanna, a 14-year-old cat who survived a gunshot wound. Thanks to SpayMart’s emergency fund, she underwent surgery and recovered safely—one of countless stories made possible by donor support.
“Without our thrift store and adoption center, we’re operating on borrowed time,” said Chiche. “But with your help, we can continue saying ‘yes’ to animals like Roseanna.”
This GiveNOLA Day, SpayMart is working to raise $135,000—a goal powered by a dollar-for-dollar matching gift challenge of up to $25,000. Every donation made on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at www.givenola.org/organization/spaymart will be matched, doubling the impact until the $25,000 match is met.