The Swim for Shoes event, held annually on Armação de Pêra beach on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, raised just over €1,000 to purchase new shoes for children in care.
Organisers the Holiday Inn Algarve said: “Congratulations and thanks to all those who participated either by paddling or getting totally immersed in the sea.
“As one swimmer said ‘it was not only a good way to raise funds for charity, but also a fun way to spend Christmas morning’.”
On Christmas Day, a film crew from TVI filmed the event and interviewed a number of participants. This brought a lot of national attention to the event when it was shown on their news programme.
Father Christmas was well represented and after singing We wish you a Merry Christmas and A Todos um Bom Natal, ran down to the waiting sea.
The money will be used to buy shoes during the year for the teenagers at A Gaivota and Santa Casada Misericórdia in Albufeira. Each child at school needs a pair of trainers and plimsolls and the amount raised means that all teenagers will be fully kitted out.
Certificates were awarded to those who got wet and everyone enjoyed a Hot Chocolate at the Holiday Inn Algarve bar afterwards.
