Rotary clubs around the world change their presidents at the end of June, beginning of July each year. Almancil International Rotary Club is no exception and on Wednesday, June 26 at a special dinner held at the Conrad Hotel in Quinta do Lago, President Brian Giles handed over his chain of office to new president Mark Hulit.
The main purpose of the club is to raise funds to help disadvantaged people in the area. Funds raised during the last Rotary year amounted to more than €13,000.
Outgoing president Brian opened the meeting and began by outlining the many local organisations that the club has helped during the past Rotary year, which included the Association for Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease in Quarteira – thanks to funds raised at a successful golf event in November, it received electrically operated chairs and kitchen and bathroom equipment. Local students also painted a cheerful mural in the garden.
APAV, a voluntary association which supports victims of crime, received electrical items and toiletries with funds raised at the club’s International Women’s Day lunch held earlier this year.
The club has, for a number of years, been involved with a group of autistic children at Escola EB 2/3 Dr António de Sousa Agostinho in Almancil with surfing lessons and foot golf, both of which have not only been hugely enjoyed by the youngsters but also improved their coordination and general well-being. Most recently, dog therapy was introduced for these youngsters and this has also been great success.
In addition, for the 5th year and with collaboration from the Conrad Hotel, the club sponsored a cookery competition with the participation of students from local schools.
New president Mark Hulit thanked Brian for his service during the year. He stated that “for the upcoming year, our key focus will continue to be helping the youth in Almancil and Quarteira with a variety of innovative programmes to help autistic children, children from underprivileged backgrounds, and offering special international learning opportunities via Rotary International’s summer camp experiences. We will also continue to support victims of domestic violence and older people coping with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
“Founded in 2006 with a handful of members, we now have a vibrant club with a membership of 37 – the largest international Rotary club in the Algarve. Within our club, one of our key goals is to recruit new members, particularly younger professionals, who can help us to connect with and support our local community even more.”
The club meets for lunch at the Conrad Hotel on Wednesdays at 1pm with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month when it meets for dinner at 7pm. Those interested in knowing more about AIRC should contact Peter by email to peter@rotaryalmancil.org
Photo: Mark Hulit receives the chain of office from Brian Giles
