New Year, New Thinking

This is the time of the year for reflection and renewal, at Goldra as much as anywhere else. Last year saw the numbers of dogs in residence rise to a new high, putting enormous pressure on resources both human and spatial.

Local resident Colin MacBean successfully completed his walk across the length of the Algarve and raised enough money to buy a heart monitor for the Lagoa Bombeiros.

Colin, who lives in Carvoeiro, braved terrible weather conditions, injury and his fair share of navigational problems to complete his walk in aid of the Bombeiros, raising over €1,500 in the process.

Balaia Bowls Club, housed in Balaia Golf Village in Albufeira and consists in a green bowling club, has promoted during the 2016, several fundraising campaigns in favor of the Albufeira Firefighters.
These campaigns have integrated various initiatives such as bowling tournaments throughout the year and a Skydiving event among others, which in their totality allowed to raise a total of 5,661.98 €.

Essex businessman Andy Mahoney has been honoured by British Prime Minister Theresa May for creating Europe's first specialist special needs holiday centre at Moncarapacho.

Andy was given the Points of Light award, which recognises the UK's outstanding volunteers, after embarking on a personal crusade to help those with special needs experience opportunities previously denied to them due to the lack of adequate facilities. In a personal letter, the Prime Minister congratulated Mr Mahoney on his achievements. "The Centre Algarve you set up is supporting people with special needs and their families to be able to enjoy the experience of visiting a foreign culture in a safe environment. Across the world British volunteers like you are helping to build a better world for everyone. The Points of Light award is a small thank you on behalf of the whole country, in recognition of your exceptional service."

Swim for Shoes 2016/17 the annual event to swim or paddle in the Atlantic Ocean has, this year, so far raised over 1100 Euros for children in care. Many congratulations and thanks to all those who participated.

The weather was perfect for both of the events, one on Christmas day, and the second on New Year's day.

Christmas 2016 was particularly heart warming for the Castelo de Sonhos charity, as so many people and organisations helped the underprivileged families of Silves council this Christmas season.

The annual Christmas Charity Lunch was held at the Fatacil Restaurant in Lagoa with the usual excellent menu and service provided by Marcelo and co.

With money from the lunch, plus donations from the rides and other donations for cakes and mince pies made by Dee Shirley, and Pate made by John Tavener, resulted in a total of 1020€ being presented to the Gaivota home for teenagers in Albufeira.

Estoi Palace International Rotary Club (RCEPI) were delighted to welcome Pai Natal and his helper Mrs Klaus to the monthly food distribution at Estoi Casa do Povo to those familes registered with the Faro Food Bank.

Since 2009 RCEPI has supplied around 450 litres of long life milk per month to supplement the food packs from the Food Bank.