Catching up with Jenny Clarke, president of Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), is not easy. But she’s happy. Ans and Alfred’s World Animal Day lunch raised over €400 and was attended by 19 guests.
APAA’s events and ‘Pop-Up’ shops are created to raise money for their ongoing SNiP campaign. The Spaying and Neutering Programme is mainly for furry feline friends in colonies, or about to join one. The reproduction rate of cats is appallingly high. Their ability to have more than one pregnancy from different fathers doesn’t help.
APAA’s work diary is getting busier. So, when events and pop-ups attract members of the community and newcomers, it is an excellent platform to spread the word and get volunteers.
APAA’s motto is ‘Here to Help’. “We need help for all kinds of situations. Donations for the upkeep or sponsoring of our dogs in kennels. Time in the shops during a peak period and extra hands make light work, as they say.”
Their annual visit to the Câmara Municipal de Portimão (town hall) will be a ‘fingers crossed’ situation. “It’s grant time.” Jenny explains. “We were summoned to present papers and official requests!” Relief since last year as there was a panic that the grant system for animal shelters and welfare groups was being axed. “Although cap-in-hand, we will make the point that we need extra help with animal accidents where a vet or hospital is required in an emergency. Very often, the member of the public simply cannot afford the initial fees.”
SEPNA is supposed to be there on hand, but when contact is made, the caller is referred to the vet/hospital service direct. “We’re hoping that some funds will be made available for Portimão (vet) hospital.” Another set of fingers crossed! “Also, increased funding for feeding cat colonies, which are almost at exploding point.”
Amigo? “Oh, a man at the kennels and Amigo are hitting it off and we hope this is a good sign for our abandoned doggy’s recovery from fear of everything and everyone!”
Dates for your diary
- November 7 – Convento’bio Lagoa, 11am-4pm. Time to buy Christmas presents.
- 2nd Sunday November, December & January – Car Boot Sales, Ferragudo.
- November 16/17– APAA Charity Variety Show, at Auditório do Museu de Portimão. Tickets 15€. An absolute must.
Visit APAA charity shops
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
The real bargains. Some of the top designer labels available at reasonable prices. Also, the homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Yum! Everything you need for your home or rental.
- Jackie’s lunches/Murder Mystery: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy) | Pet Legacy video
- Check out Facebook
- APAA Charity Variety Performance Tickets Online: www.bol.pt (QR code) – info: show.apaaportugal@gmail.com
