Nandi was founded in 1996 by John and Doreen Piteleen, who, concerned about the number of stray cats and dogs in the Algarve, opened a small charity shop in Espiche, to raise funds for a sterilisation programme, veterinary treatment, and animal food. The enterprise is named after their first dog, Nandi (Afrikaans for beautiful) who turned up on their doorstep one day.
About Nandi Charity Shops
Today, Nandi is a registered charity, with two thriving shops close to the Private Hospital Sao Goncalo. The shops are very popular with both the Portuguese and ex-pat communities, as well as holiday-makers. In fact, when regular customers know that new stock is arriving, there is barely time to ticket it.
The shops are a veritable treasure trove of clothes, furniture, books, children's toys and bric-a-brac. Anyone wishing to donate items, especially furniture and appliances can take them to the shop, however, larger items can be collected free of charge. They also offer a delivery service for a small charge.
Anyone who finds a stray cat or dog can approach Nandi for help with sterilisation, The charity assists with the cost of the procedure, as long as it is carried out by one of the Nandi Charity Shop’s nominated veterinary practices.
A street feeding programme is also in operation, manned by a different group of volunteers. Money is spent every month on dry and wet food for the street cats, and they are also given fresh water on a daily basis. This feeding programme also includes a colony of very friendly cats located near the Lagos river estuary, and in the car park opposite the Marina Hotel. There is also additional financial help provided for any post-accident treatment.
The people involved
There is a Management Committee to run the Charity and there are 67 members and 40 volunteers, male and female and of various nationalities, the charity is a thriving community. 2020/2021 have been difficult as with the shops being closed the Charity had no income other than very kind donations. However with a selective programme we have managed to continue to look after our friends although to a lesser extent. We hope the future will be better for them all provided we don’t have any more lockdowns.
The committee are always looking for Members and Volunteers to man the shops and transport furniture when required.
If you would like to be involved, call in at one of the shops listed below or email the charity on thenandicharityshop.hotmail.com
In our next news letter we will explain how the funds have been spent over the past few years.
This shop sells clothes and bric- a- brac: Lt 15, Loja 4, Rua de Ameljeira, LAGOS :
This shop sells furniture and electrical items: Rua Prof. Dr. Moto Pinto, LAGOS
