The Lagos-based English Freemasons of the Lodge of Discoveries No 9409 have donated €500 to the Silves-based Castelo de Sonhos charity.
The Lodge of Discoveries is part of the group of English freemasonry lodges in Portugal which in turn is part of the United Grand Lodge of England.
During 2019, the Lodge of Discoveries raised money to support worthy causes nominated by the Master of the lodge, currently Steve Johnston.
Steve nominated Castelo de Sonhos for support. Castelo de Sonhos was formed in 1997 by Dr Liliana Rodrigues, with a mission to help the poor and underprivileged of Silves. They supply basic necessities like food, clothing, bedding, blankets, nappies plus basic furniture for poor families. They also give legal, social and psychological support to young mothers and families at risk.
Castelo de Sonhos manages the local government family support organisation, Centro de Apoio Familiar e de Aconselhamento Parental (CAFAP). It has a small team of social workers and psychologists employed for this.
The Castelo de Sonhos board, fundraisers and shop helpers are all volunteers. Fundraising is by sales of donated items at their charity shop based in Rua Francisco Pablos, Silves. Funds also come from voluntary donations. They are an authorised distributor from the Banco Alimentar (food bank).
Just before Christmas 2019, Steve Johnston (pictured) presented a cheque for €500 to Rita Pinto, one of the clinical psychologists who works with Castelo de Sonhos.
Castelo de Sonhos committee member David Butler-Cole said: “We plan to use the €500 to buy food for those registered with the food bank. There is always a shortfall in the monthly allotment and this donation will be a huge help.”
Steve Johnston, Master of the Lodge of Discoveries, said: “It is such a pleasure to be able to support Castelo de Sonhos, by making a contribution to local people in need.”
