For the eighth year running, the Grand Night of Variety will be returning to Lagoa Auditorium on November 7, again bringing an evening of entertainment by local artists.
Organiser Jenny Grainer has discovered an array of professional artists, who will donate their services for free, “in the hope that we can raise the maximum amount of money for those in need”.
She said: “Charities in the Algarve are suffering in the current financial situation. This year we will be supporting the Centro Popular de Lagoa.”
In the 1970s, a group of influential and concerned citizens of Lagoa decided that something had to be done for both the elderly and the children of their city. In the beginning they used old disused buildings but as the need grew they became more ambitious and determined to provide the town with the facilities these vulnerable people needed.
They discovered a large piece of land at the back of the Lagoa cemetery and raised the funds to purchase it, approve an ambitious project and begin construction. “They started with a nursery, so working mothers had somewhere safe to leave their children; then a play school, followed by classes for children up to 10 years of age,” said Jenny.
Next came the turn of the elderly who now have a modern, light and airy building, with individual or twin bedrooms. They have sports classes in the building, many visiting entertainers and are taken on many outings. Not all are permanent residents as they also have a separate day care section where concerned relatives can leave them and know they are safe, fed and entertained.
Clients or students are expected to pay for the services provided but it is means tested – some pay absolutely nothing, others a small amount, with the deficit met by social services and the local council.
Jenny continued: “This is putting the centre into a very difficult position. We hope to raise enough money to at least make a difference and pay some of their expenses.”
Doors will open from 7pm with the show starting at 8.30pm. Tickets cost €12.
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