There was no ASB Charity Lunch this year but the Algarve Senior Bikers still managed to raise a record amount of money for the children of A Gaivota children’s home in Albufeira.
The year of 2020 has been a difficult time for all including the many motorcyclists of the ASB, with many of the larger group events and rides being postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus situation and the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.
The annual charity lunch was one such casualty, being cancelled for the first time in the 10 years since the ASB was formed.
However, throughout the year, due to the great generosity of the members, the ASB has continued its charity fundraising to support A Gaivota home for children and teenagers in Albufeira.
During the year, the ASB has raised money for various purposes including the purchase of Easter eggs and Christmas presents for all the children. Desk and bedside lights were provided to help with reading and home studies during lockdown.
The ASB Photo Challenge initiative from Andrew Chilton assisted by Erwin Oortman and David Shirley, ASB founder and organiser, provided a good part of the funds for these items (see the Photo Challenge here).
As a result of the recent appeal to make up for the cancellation of the annual charity lunch, David Shirley presented Cláudia Loios, the director of the home, with €2,450 to help with the purchase of equipment and machinery for the new laundry room.
This brings the total raised over the year to €3,550.
Some members have also organised their own fundraising initiatives in addition to the above and worthy of mention for their efforts are Stephen and Julie Hall and friends, Leo Laurense and Asha Mohan and friends, and Martin Holloway and the quizzers at the Cocktail Garden in Monte Carvoeiro.
“On behalf of all the children at Gaivota, I would like to thank you all for making this possible in these difficult times.
Let’s hope it is not too long before we can resume our usual group rides and events,” said David Shirley.
