Dear João Xabregas,
Whether a charity such as orphanages is more worthy than a charity involved with animals is a decision made by the individual who is affiliated with the charity of their choice albeit children, animals or gypsies.
The Portuguese government is the institute to blame, not the people involved with the above-mentioned forms of charities. In Portugal there are indeed both children and animals suffering to such an extent that it is beyond comprehension.
If the Portuguese government cannot even look after its humans, let alone the animals, why is the expat community not allowed to make a choice who and what to help?
Lack of education from the Portuguese government has led to the ridiculous situation in Portugal, where abandonment of both children and animals seems to be fashion.
All the aid given in both situations comes from private donations and fundraisers, a majority from expats who give because they want to help the country that they love.
All charities, whether animal-related or people-related, have a fair chance in the expat community newspapers and other means of communication. Animals, one can re-home by posting a photo and a description. I would consider it completely unethical to post children for re-homing in a similar way!
The expat newspapers all have a community page, often more pages, where all the amazing achievements and activities are clearly visible, most of them are not animal related but focused on humans.
The other side of it is, why do you assume people involved in animal rescue only help animals? I know many people who help animals and the children in need here. I collect and help wherever I can, with clothes, toys, books for children.
The world would be a better place if one shows respect for the other individual’s choice of charity and I am vice president of an animal charity and help both humans and animals!
Ginie de Weerd
www.sosalgarveanimals.com
