THE ASSOCIAÇÃO de Solidariedade com as Crianças Carenciadas do Algarve (ACCA), a Portuguese registered charity supported by its international members throughout the Algarve, has arranged for the purchase of a wheelchair for Márcio, the eldest child in a gypsy family who are struggling to support themselves.
The family was being assisted by Fundação António Aleixo in Loulé who approached ACCA with their case for supporting the family who live in a tent with very minimal conditions. The assistance that has been provided so far has been in the form of diapers for Márcio, who used to sit all day in a plastic chair.
None of the family can read or write and find it very difficult to receive any aid or support from any government authority as they do not have a permanent place of residence. They only receive 189.35 euros a month from the Rendimento Social de Inserção.
ACCA has been working with Fundação António Aleixo for a number of years and has contributed to many different types of projects supporting the community centre in its work around Loulé and Quarteira.
Wanda Crawford from ACCA presented the chair to Maria Augusta Ramos at the António Aleixo Centre in Loulé, saying: “When I met with this family for the first time, their ability to be so gracious during extremely difficult times truly left a lasting impression on me. The initial encounter taught me to be grateful for all of the many simple comforts which most of us take for granted. Like a roof over our heads, a comfortable and warm home, food to eat and access to proper medical care. Now, I greet everyday with a gracious smile.”
You can support ACCA in many different ways either by joining as a member and paying a monthly membership of five euros, by attending the ACCA fundraising events throughout the year and by joining the email newsletter list so that you receive regular updates. For further information about the work of ACCA and to sign up for their regular newsletter, visit www.acca-pt.com or call Wanda Crawford on 919 617 995.
