As the country reels in from the news of Paulina Dembska’s murder, the nation’s banding together to show a united front in her memory. 

29-year-old Paulina, a Polish national who resided in Sliema, was killed in Independence Gardens in the early hours of 2nd January 2022. 

Paulina used to frequent the area to feed a colony of stray cats.

In light of these events, local animal rights group Real Animal Rights Foundation (RAR), has started a fundraiser “for the cats which Paulina used to feed at the Independence Gardens” as well as for the “sponsorship of a memorial statue to be placed at the site where she tragically lost her life.”  

“We would like to immortalize her kindness and love for this stray cat community,” RAR wrote on social media.

Aside from this, a GoGetFunding page has also been launched for the victim's family in an attempt to ease the financial strain brought on by the funeral and legal fees.

“Her family needs our support so that they can start focusing on mourning the loss of a loved one. They will need funds to transport the body, cover lawsuits and legal costs to get the case to its fair end,” the fundraiser’s description reads.

If you wish to pay your respects and light a candle in Paulina’s name, a vigil is being held this evening in Sliema in her honour.

Read more about Paulina's story here. 

Rest in peace Paulina!