SWIM FOR Shoes, the annual event to swim or paddle in the Atlantic Ocean off the beach at Armação de Pêra has, so far, raised more that 1,500 euros for new shoes for children in care.
On Christmas Day, more than 50 people paddled or swam, including many people dressed as Father Christmas and reindeer taking a well earned break after their busy night.
The weather on New Year’s Day surpassed all expectations and brought more that 200 people to the same beach. Many were in fancy dress, which added to the exhilarating atmosphere
As one swimmer said: “It is not only a good way to raise funds for charity, but also a fun way to start 2007.” The water was warm and, after a stirring chorus of Auld Lang Syne, the hooter blew and the swimmers all ran down to the water.
A film crew from Portuguese television station, TVI were also there and filmed the whole event and even interviewed a number of the participants. This brought a lot of national attention to the event following it’s showing on their evening news programme.
The money raised will be going to buy shoes for teenagers at A Gaivota, Santa Casa in Albufeira so that each child will be fully kitted out with trainers for the school year.
Organisers, Verna Kinder and Vicki Good would like to thank all those who took part and watched. Thanks also go to Dean Lindermann for taking photographs on both days, which were then sold to raise money for the fund and Peter Phelan, who filmed the whole event on Christmas Day and loaded it on the internet to enable the participants to relive their experience.
To view more photographs click on one of the links on the right.
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