By DAISY SAMPSON
daisy.sampson@algarveresident.com
Volunteers from Lagoa Bombeiros made a special trip to Madeira earlier in the month to learn how to use a cliff rescue tripod bought with funds raised by members of the Carvoeiro Golf and Country Club based at Pestana Golf.
The tripod is an essential piece ‘of equipment used to lift and lower rescue workers and victims from cliff tops and is paramount to ensuring the safety of the Bombeiros when working on the cliffs.
Members of the club raised almost 7,000 euros by making regular donations over the past year to a charity fund specifically for the voluntary service.
The majority of the fund was used to buy the tripod but it was also possible to buy a specialist harness for the tripod and a satellite navigation system for an ambulance, thanks to the club members’ efforts.
GREAT SUCCESS
Gabriel Travassos, second in command at Lagoa Bombeiros, told the Algarve Resident: “The trip to train to use the equipment was a great success, especially as we were being trained by the Bombeiros from Madeira, the best at cliff rescue operations in Portugal.”
-[36155].res.jpg "The tripod was essential in this simulated rescue operation") The tripod was essential in this simulated rescue operation |
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British resident Val Johnstone, a long-term fundraiser for the Bombeiros, told the Algarve Resident:
“I first approached the golf club last year and met with Steve Fenton, Pat Phillips and Mike Gornall and basically went begging for the Bombeiros. The Bombeiros are much more than just an ambulance and fire service – they are here for every single person. When I explain to people exactly what the Bombeiros do, they are usually keen to help the cause.”
The Carvoeiro Golf and Country Club has pledged to continue to raise money for Lagoa Bombeiros throughout 2009 and Val hopes that the funds they raise will go towards buying even more equipment.
“I have a list of what the Bombeiros need including gloves, helmets, gas detectors and more satellite navigation systems; this is just the tip of the iceberg though and we constantly need funds for this voluntary service.”
Val Johnstone added: “I am very excited about the Christmas cards being arranged by the Algarve Resident. Hopefully this will bring in some further, much needed funds” (see below for full details).
If you would like to make a direct donation to the Lagoa Bombeiros, you can do so via bank transfer using NIB number 0010 0000 2463118 000 187 and fund name Val Johnstone (Bombeiros).
Alternatively, please contact Val Johnstone for further information on 282 471 550.
‘HELP THE BOMBEIROS’ COMPETITION
Get creative for a good cause
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Join in the Algarve Resident’s Christmas card design competition and help to raise funds for a worthy cause.
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, the Algarve Resident invites readers, of all ages, to design a 2009 Christmas card which will be sold later in the year to raise funds for Lagoa council’s voluntary fire brigade.
An independent panel of judges will pick the best designs, which will be used in a selection of Christmas cards to be launched later this year. Entries to this competition will be accepted in a variety of formats including drawings, paintings, photographs and computer designs and can be sent by email, by post or on a CD.
To enter, simply send your design to news@algarveresident.com, alternatively it can be posted or handed in personally to the Algarve Resident offices located at Rua Visconde de Lagoa, n˚2 and 3, 8400-329, Lagoa.
Please ensure that you include your full name, age, address and contact telephone number.
The closing date for this competition is Monday, June 15 at 4pm, with winners being announced by telephone prior to their names being published in the newspaper.
Normal Algarve Resident competition Terms & Conditions apply (visit www.algarveresident.com for full details), however, as this competition is for charity, it is open to everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Get creative and send us your fantastic designs! And remember it’s all for a good cause.
For more information about this initiative, please telephone Inês Lopes on 282 342 936.
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