DONATEWE ARE RAISING THE STANDARDS OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN LEBANON IN MEMORY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY PERSON
OUR STORY
This is a cause that Gaïa Fodoulian, one of the many victims of the Beirut Port explosion on 4 August 2020, dedicated her life to.
An avid animal lover, Gaïa had a deep affection for all animals and a strong impulse to help those in need.
She was driven to action and built close relationships with animal rescuers, becoming involved at all stages and going the extra mile to ensure that all parties had the support they needed – from the initial rescue through to eventual adoption.
Gaïa would also take in dogs if the shelters were unable to find suitable homes, like Sisi, an abandoned Malinois mix she found in Fanar. The association was set up by her family to honor her legacy and to further her wish that every animal be safe and cared for.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create a solid and wide-reaching network and support system to benefit animal rescuers through a structured framework, building on the compassion that Gaïa so willingly and independently offered. We act as a central hub, forming helpful connections and collaborations with a like-minded community, as well as advising on complex circumstances when needed.
Gaïa’s profound kindness and empathetic spirit remain at the heart of what we do.
that no animal
should have to suffer
or live on the streets.
The Association is partially funded by proceeds from Art Design Lebanon, a not-for-profit cultural space and digital platform developed by Gaïa, which is dedicated to supporting cultural and artistic production in Lebanon and the surrounding regions.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE ASSOCIATION
Mariana, Gaïa’s sister, is our resident veterinary doctor. Not only is she a licensed practicing veterinary doctor, graduating from the Lebanese University in 2015, but she is also the co-founder and president of our Association. Her passion for animals started from childhood, and she approaches every animal with kindness and compassion. In the photos above, she is playing with some of the little creatures in our shelters whom she has also treated!
Annie, Gaïa’s mother, is an art patron and gallerist. She brought Gaïa’s pilot project, Art Design Lebanon to life, and founded the Gaïa Fodoulian Association to continue Gaïa’s seminal work of rescuing and caring for animals through a sustainable platform.
TAKE ACTION TODAYHOW WE WORK
We pride ourselves on working flexibly, efficiently and compassionately to respond to each case presented to us.
We understand that every individual situation needs our particular consideration, therefore we operate a nimble structure to allow us to react as per the needs of each animal.
In terms of animal care, the breadth of our work spans all stages of a rescue: providing shelter, administering medical care and raising funds for life-saving procedures, supplying food, offering financial support, and eventually sourcing fosterers and adoptive carers to ensure that animals find a safe and loving home.
Another key component to our operations is helping animal rescuers, by supporting them to carry out their crucial work.
The Gaïa Fodoulian Association provides a central network to facilitate helpful connections, partnerships and collaborations between rescuers, veterinarians, shelters, fosterers and members of the public, creating a chain of positive actions and empathy.
We also aim to work as advisors, offering our knowledge and assistance for anyone reaching out to our association in complex situations where emergency actions may be needed.