For Rotary Club Estoi Palace International (RCEPI), it has been a difficult 12 months as many of its regular fundraising events have had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Despite the problems, its members have continued to meet every week, but almost all of its meetings, often with national and international speakers, have been held on Zoom.
To help stem the shortfall of much-needed funds, RCEPI members have come up with inventive ways to raise money such as an online cat show; a photography Competition on the subject of ‘Life in Lockdown’ (open until May 31); and the recently launched Happy Bears project where members of the public can sponsor a hand-crafted Teddy Bear to help disadvantaged children.
By way of a ‘big thank you’, members had the opportunity to draw a Golden Ticket with the chance to win a gift hamper of Algarve artisan products. The winner was one of RCEPI’s newer members Willem van Milink. The prize, donated by fellow member Richard Thorpe, was supplied and personally delivered to Willem by Stefano Malobbia of Canastra Estoi, an artisan shop selling local foods, Algarve wine and gift products created from local wood.
RCEPI President, Uwe Jönsson, said: “There could only be one Golden Ticket winner, but it must be said that all our members have responded amazingly during the pandemic. This has helped us to continue our support of those most in need.”
