“There’s a turn up for the books!” Jenny has taken a rest from pots, pans and ‘Pop-Ups’. “We’ve managed to join up with Algarve Emporium Charity on their charity auction on Facebook. It’s proved to be quite popular.”
Caroline Langston heads up a small but dedicated team in the Tunes area, collecting food and household goods for families in need. “They have a regular auction, on Facebook, which raises money and their profile amongst the community.” Charities of all kinds network, if it is possible. “Sometimes we have different agendas, but it shouldn’t stop us from trying to help each other out from time to time.”
APAA’s President, Jenny Clarke, has been rummaging around the charity shops in Alvor and Silves for items, which may be a lost cause. “You never quite know what is going to hit the spot these days.” A collector’s piece, classical or retro. “We have seen all sorts of wonderful items go under the gavel!” Cooking ware, clothing, jewellery, furniture, an entire office set; computer, table and chair. Wow!
All the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve’s profits go towards SNiP. Or indeed other charities or shelters to help them along the rocky Spaying & Neutering Programme’s path. Cat colonies, of course! Hidden and growing fast in the wild. Taking feral cats and putting them into safe places where they can live peacefully without cluttering up the world with their pretty little kittens.
Their ‘Pop-Up’ shops are put out to pasture for the summer. The shops do extremely well.
Abandonment is, of course, another dilemma, mainly amongst the dog world. They too need veterinary care and looking after until they are re-homed.
Raising money for charitable means is not easy. The harder money is to come by, the more people turn to look at those less fortunate than they. With some fortune, people do help when they can. Trolleys in supermarkets for food. Both human and pet kind.
Giving for the sake of it doesn’t help. A lot of items that find their way into their ‘begging bowls’ are not helpful. A slab of chocolate for the helper at the end of the shift, perhaps. Most items need to be long lasting, tinned or bagged and suitable for the cause. Whether human or paws!
Have time and want to help? Please make contact, say how you can help and where you live. Most charitable organisations have events or gatherings of some kind to keep the community commitment going strong. Not everyone is a “team” worker. If you feel you can provide something, crochet, knitted goods, or friendly foody stuff to help raise money, please don’t be shy. We need you.
APAA: Jenny info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Zélia Cat-colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
Emporium: Caroline algarveemporium@gmail.com
By APAA
