The new branch aims to serve communities from Faro to the Spanish border
The Lions Club International Sotavento-Algarve, a branch of the Portuguese Lions Club in Faro, held its inaugural meeting on March 8, marking the establishment of the first English-speaking Lions Club in the East Algarve region.
The club has already made significant community impact through corporate partnerships, including securing television donations from Phillips for the ABC Dance School.
Founded by Luc Heijnen, Gunnar Abrahamsson, and Göran Olsson, previously active in the Loulé Lions Club, the new branch aims to serve communities from Faro to the Spanish border. The founders recognized the need for an English-speaking service organization in the Eastern Algarve to bridge language barriers and tap into the resources of the international community.
“Our primary focus is enhancing children’s education and opening their horizons beyond traditional paths,” said Luc, who directed the inaugural meeting. “Many young people in Algarve towns follow predictable patterns – staying local and starting families early. We want to show them alternatives through higher education, international experiences, and broader career opportunities.”
The club’s educational initiative will include school presentations showcasing diverse career paths, with special emphasis on traditionally overlooked fields like arts and entrepreneurship. The program draws inspiration from Lions Club International’s commitment to youth development and education.
“We’ve already seen how impactful personal stories can be,” explained Göran. “When students hear from someone who has transformed their life through education, it creates a powerful vision of what’s possible for their own futures.”
In alignment with Lions Club International’s global causes, the Sotavento-Algarve branch will also focus on diabetes awareness and support for children with diabetes, alongside their educational initiatives.
The club plans to leverage corporate partnerships and sponsorships to address local needs throughout the East Algarve. Their successful collaboration with Phillips demonstrates their approach to securing meaningful corporate support.
“Our goal is to establish the proper framework for sustainable community impact,” said Gunnar, who brings over 20 years of Lions Club experience. “We’re implementing strict financial controls, separating membership dues from fundraising accounts to ensure transparency and accountability.”
The meeting, held at the Bar Latté terrace in Vila Real de Santo António, brought together eight founding members from diverse backgrounds, including medical professionals, educators, business leaders, and arts advocates. This diversity reflects the club’s intention to draw on varied expertise to address community challenges.
Maria Karla, club member and dance instructor at the ABC Dance Academy in Vila Real de Santo António, shared how focused community efforts have already helped one young artist secure a prestigious opportunity at an international academy. “This is exactly the kind of impact we want to multiply – showing young people that with support, their dreams are achievable,” she said.
“While our mission is serious, we also have fun,” adds Luc. “Building friendships and enjoying our time together is an essential part of what makes our club vibrant and sustainable.”
The Lions Club International, founded in 1917, is the world’s largest service organization with over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries. The organization focuses on vision, hunger, environment, childhood cancer, and diabetes as its global causes while encouraging clubs to address specific local needs.
The Sotavento-Algarve branch is actively recruiting new members with a target of reaching 20 participants. Those interested in joining or learning more can contact Gunnar Abrahamsson at +351 964 279 054.
About Lions Club International
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Its 1.4 million members in more than 48,000 clubs serve in 200 countries and geographic areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions have strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects, and extend service impact through the generous support of Lions Clubs International Foundation. Together, Lions tackle pressing global challenges including vision, hunger, environment, childhood cancer, and diabetes. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.
By Veronica Ondrejech
