By: DAISY SAMPSON
LOCAL RESIDENT Val Johnstone was honoured at celebrations held by the Lagoa Bombeiros on October 18 for her fund raising efforts.
At a ceremony to mark 30 years of the Lagoa Bombeiros, Val Johnstone was awarded a medal for distinguished services to the voluntary force and was also presented with a certificate for her tireless fund raising on behalf of the Portuguese Bombeiros league.
Val Johnstone told The Resident: “I have been raising money for the Lagoa Bombeiros for the past 11 years and I think it is really important that the community understands how the Bombeiros works and that they constantly require funds to continue their work”.
“Here in Lagoa there are more than 100 members of the Bombeiros and only around 30 of those employed here receive a wage. The Bombeiros are the fire fighters and the paramedics for the community and they do a fantastic job without pay, which is why I am always trying to raise funds for this cause.”
Thank you
Local Carvoeiro bar owners Aaron Glashier of the Angel Bar and Will Wilhelm, better known as Big Will, from the Round Up Saloon, were also invited to the celebrations to thank them for their fund raising work over the years for the Lagoa Bombeiros.
Aaron Glashier told The Resident: “Every year I organise an open bar party where I ask for donations instead of payment for drinks and this year we raised more than 2,000 euros for the Bombeiros. Unfortunately, I am closing my bar on November 7. However I will continue to raise money for this cause and I am currently auctioning sports memorabilia from the bar in aid of the Bombeiros.”
Gabriel Travassos, second commandant of the Lagoa Bombeiros, told The Resident: “Val, Aaron and Will have all been very supportive to the Bombeiros. The award for Val is the greatest honour.”
The next event that has been organised by Val Johnstone in aid of the Lagoa Bombeiros is a grand buffet and dance to be held at the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra on November 8 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost 25 euros per person and include the buffet and wine.
For further information please call Val on 282 471 550.
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