The face of a successful business has to be what is endearingly known as the ‘Front Man’. Unfortunately, he too gets the good with the bad. Or She, as the case may be.
APAA’s President, Jenny Clarke, is probably more well-known than she would like to admit to. “Running the Association needs a good tight team. Which, luckily, we have.” Phew!
Treasurer, Jackie Billings and VP, Jane Norris also have the backing of a good strong board. “Do Eves, always omnipresent at our Pop-Up shops and events” Indeed. “Our two charity shops at Alvor and Silves are always busy. Volunteers ready to help you decide.”
Anita Wight, the ‘Pop-Up’ Shop wonder-girl runs them as if they were her own. “Not always behind the scenes is our very own Cat-Woman.” Jenny makes a salute. “Our praise for Zélia’s work and the teams who assist are synonymous with ‘Here to Help’ our good established motto.”
A good financial year has seen APAA help several shelters and animal charities with specific projects. “We were supposed to make a grant to one charity, but in the end it was too difficult to make a choice. So, in true APAA spirit we made the grant to almost all the requestors. Perhaps not all the money but at least everyone got a donation and not too small at that!” Pause for Applause. Always grateful to our Helpers behind the scenes. Real People we hold in extremely high regard.
Talking of which, friends outside Loulé in ‘Cabanita’ have had a fairly hectic first few years, probably nearing their 5th now. Headed by entrepreneur Sid Richardson and his stalwart team. General Manager João Ferreira has been with them since the beginning. Genuinely cares about animals and how they should be treated. Animal Rescue Algarve has provided the community with their strong support for abandoned and mistreated animals. “Not all our abandonees are abused. Thank heavens!” João frowns. “But, unfortunately we do see too many damaged animals, dogs mainly, who have suffered inhumanely.” Where now?
Sid’s ‘Legacy for Pets’ has received praise and support from all quarters. APAA, being their first to sign up to the project. “We do try and enlist the public through education, events and our shops.” Understanding how people feel about their pets in this world, ARA, attempt to reach the owners before they depart for the next. In a way, it is a sensible gift to your pet, whilst you are still here and happy, think how and where they would be without you? Hopefully not abandoned. Interested? Drop their multi-tasking Administrator, Élia, an email. She’ll fill you in!
Both APAA and ARA have their charity shops working to raise money.
Contact: Jenny info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Élia: info@animalrescuealgarve.com
