Excitement is already in the air throughout many homes and schools as Christmas approaches.
Three-year-olds Sérgio and Margarica are no exception as they get a glimpse of some of Rotary’s presents, destined for the area’s underprivileged this festive season.
Rotarian Herbert Chatters, of the Rotary Clube de Silves, visited the Colmeia School in Lagoa recently and took time out with the children for a photo opportunity.
For far too many, especially those resident at the Lar de Criancas Bon Samaritano children’s hostel in Alvor and the Centro de Acolhimento Temporario in Portimão, Christmas is in the hands of others.
Readers of The Resident can help make an appreciable difference to those young lives at Christmas. While there is a limit to the number of people who can attend the big Jazz by Candlelight fund-raiser organised by the Rotary Clube de Silves, on December 16, there is no limit to the number of presents and donations that can be made by those not attending the event.
The New Orleans Jazz Band will head the entertainment. A five course dinner, wine and mineral water are included in the 25 euro ticket price.
And, that’s not all, the club is intending to provide from funds raised on the night, food parcels for the elderly in the area.
One enterprising company, GlobalTalk, has booked a table for 10 to entertain customers and staff. Why not follow their example and treat your colleagues or friends?
Although the major fundraising thrust is at the dinner, presents can be donated. What’s more, a one-off sponsorship of 20 euros, will enable a dream outing for the children of the Alvor hostel to be turned into reality.
The hostel has 36 residents of whom 22 are over 10 years and many have never been to a shopping centre or had the experience of having money in their hands to buy items themselves.
Quite apart from Rotary’s aim to collect new toys and clothes, the club, in association with the home at Alvor is planning an outing for the children. The hostel’s mini-buses will transport the children to a shopping centre where, armed with 20 euros each they will get a glimpse of Christmas first hand.
Donations welcome
The Resident has agreed to act as a collection point for toys and clothes (new please) throughout this campaign. To ensure that duplication is minimal, donors are asked to label toys and clothes with brief details of the contents of the package including the age range and the gender that the item is intended for.
Donations can also be handed in, preferably in cheque form, payable to the Rotary Clube de Silves – all donations will be acknowledged, so please enclose a name and address.
In conjunction with Associação de Solidariedade com as Crianças Carenciadas do Algarve (ACCA) the club is also hoping to grant Christmas wishes for some of the local children who live at home, but whose Portuguese families don’t have the money to make Christmas special.
If you are hoping to support the cause by also attending the Jazz by Candlelight event at the Vale da Pinta Golf Club, you will need to book quickly as tickets are almost sold out. Telephone Club Treasurer Herbert Chatters on 961 122 054 to reserve your tickets or to find out more about how you can help. Alternatively you can e-mail [email protected].
