Around 200 guests gathered at the Auramar Beach Resort on Thursday, November 27 for the second edition of the Christmas Charity Dinner organised by APAL, the Albufeira Promotion Agency. The generous donations made during the event were doubled by the Albufeira branch of the Crédito Agrícola bank, and will support the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Albufeira.
“It is essential that we have a business sector that is attentive and cooperative, able to support these associations not only financially, but for example by providing furniture and other equipment that may have been replaced, as long as they are of the necessary quality,” said Desidério Silva, president of APAL.
He added: “It is essential that companies take on an active social responsibility and contribute to these causes, and APAL has every condition to establish itself as an active partner that can help bring companies and associations closer together, for the good of Albufeira.”
For Patrícia Seromenho, head of the local Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the impact of the donation is real and immediate. As she explained, the charity faces a constant operational deficit and any support is essential to keep its services running. “This support allows us to continue to develop our essential services for the community.”
Albufeira’s mayor Rui Cristina also joined the evening, calling for stronger cooperation between local government, businesses and residents. He noted that charities often struggle with limited state funding, making community backing crucial to maintaining vital services.
Guests enjoyed live performances by Filipa Sousa, Dani Tavares and César Matoso, along with a video presentation showcasing the many ways Santa Casa supports local families.
This was APAL’s second Christmas fundraiser – the first, in 2024, raised money for the Albufeira Volunteer Fire Brigade. The goal remains the same: strengthening ties between local businesses and the organisations that care for the community every day.
