APAA, the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, was kept busy last weekend on the BLiP (Better Living in Portugal) ‘Community’ stand in Portimão.
There was never a dull moment, but now that the party is over, the association will concentrate on their ‘Pop-Up’ agenda for the next few weeks.
Their next roadshow-type ‘Pop-Up’ – on Saturday, October 22 at O Pescador restaurant in Figueira (Mexilhoeira Grande) – will have classic, antique, collectable items. Ornaments from Lladró, glass from Mdina, lots of pictures and items of note. Maybe an early gift for the house? Or a Christmas present? Also on sale will be APAA’s popular home-made preserves, jams, chutneys and shortbread cookies – but, most importantly, their 2023 Calendar, which will feature members’ pets for which they sponsored space in order to cover the costs of printing and production. All sales profits will go towards the ever-demanding SNiP (Spaying and Neutering Programme) costs. Also available are Christmas cards by Gill Goode.
Lunch is available for a special ‘snip’ bargain price of €10. What a nice couple of hours’ meet and greet while supporting the APAA’s ongoing SNiP programme! Veterinary bills (exams, surgery, injections, treatments for our four-footed friends) are hairy-scary costly as is their aftercare. Love and attention come at a price. APAA’s attention is mostly given to abandoned animals, mainly dogs who have been over-bred and no longer considered “fit for purpose”, or large bouncy youngsters. Cat colonies only thrive through the care of others, who provide shelter, food and lengthy vigils to try and capture cats needing attention.
Somewhere deep down inside, we all have a place where we can reach to help those who are suffering. A few coins here and there help APAA whose motto is “Here to Help”. They do whatever they can, whenever asked, often dropping their own commitments to help an animal, or someone who needs help. Their small, merry band of helpers not only ask for monetary donations but also time. Fetching a load of food from a supermarket such as split bags of rice or biscuits, helping feed animals. It may well be on your normal day’s run anyway. Take a bagful of goodies to one of the charity shops? Or help out at one of them?
‘Pop-Up’ Diary
- Wednesday, November 2 – Jolly Bar, Alvor
- Thursday, November 10 – Tasco, Senhora do Verde (Portimão). Christmas and household goodies.
- APAA’s Holiday Inn’s eXtra SpeXial Christmas Fayre, all in the aid of SNiP! Watch this space for more details.
Charity Shops
- Alvor, Dunas Complex, Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves, Rua Elias Garcias 20, Monday-Saturday, 10am-2pm.
Please help APAA by bringing your fabulous, unwanted gifts and goodies. Especially Christmas stuff, novelties. Everything for a wonderful Christmas! Or come buy that special gift!
For more information about abandoned animals and re-homing, contact Jenny via email [email protected] or visit www.apaaportugal.com. Also check Lisa Dowling’s APAA Facebook pages.
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