Algarve fundraiser Maisie Skodbo was an honoured guest at the Christmas party hosted by the Instituto D. Francisco Gomes, commonly known as the Casa dos Rapazes (Boys’ Home) of Faro, on Saturday, December 17.
Maisie, who has lived in Portugal for nearly 50 years, has supported and raised funds for the home for many years.
The home’s president, António Barão, praised Maisie for her “long-standing, unflinching support and interest in the lives of the boys”.
Maisie and Roll, her late husband, set up a weekly book club approximately 17 years ago in the village hall at Monte da Palhagueira Retirement Village near Santa Bárbara de Nexe. She shows little sign of slowing down despite celebrating her 90th birthday this year.
There are hundreds of books for sale, a chance to browse, catch up with friends and have a cup of coffee. All proceeds go to the Boys’ Home. Each December the coffers are boosted by the annual Christmas Fayre.
The book club continues to flourish despite the rise in e-books and there has been a welcome increase of new customers in 2016.
The support shown to the book club in its charitable aims continued strongly this year and was able to raise funds in excess of €4,000. Not bad when a book only costs €1!
Photo: António Barão, president of the Boys’ Home in Faro, with Maisie Skodbo
