YOU ARE NEEDED

MANY NEW SETTLERS IN THE ALGARVE WANT TO PUT SOMETHING OF VALUE BACK INTO THEIR NEW HOMELAND. THERE IS A HUGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CHARITY AND HELP SECTORS, WHERE DONATIONS OF TIME, AS WELL AS MONEY MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO SO MANY LIVES

Words: LUCY MAYER

Mr No Ears Cat Haven

Mr No Ears Cat Haven at Vale Paraíso in Albufeira is a sanctuary for street cats. The area has a colony of feral cats and the not-for-profit Haven tries to rehabilitate ill, disabled and traumatised cats without a home. Staff sterilise and vaccinate the animals where they can, and also put the cats on diets and medication to treat parasites and illness. Around 120 cats are supported at any one time, with 117 available to sponsor. A donation of €10 a month pays for staples like food and those who want to sponsor a cat can donate monthly, quarterly, six-monthly or yearly via PayPal or a bank transfer. They can choose their preferred feline from a gallery of cats that have been rescued by the centre or have been abandoned.

The cats live in the private sanctuary set up and run by Sandra Gasalho. The charity is named after the town’s most famous street cat known as the Lion King of Albufeira, which lost one of his eyes to illness as a kitten and had to have his ears removed due to a skin ailment. He paved the way for feral cat rehabilitation, which can cost hundreds of euros, and a march was held in Lisbon in his memory in January to raise awareness of the work done by Sandra and the group.

Carol Lee

T: 963 782 121

W: mrnoearscatshaven.com

APAV : PORTUGUESE ASSOCIATION FOR VICTIM SUPPORT

This is a private, not for profit, charitable organisation recognised by law, which serves to protect and support victims of crime. It has a network of volunteers helping people via a number of personable, free and confidential services. Founded in 1990, its HQ is in Lisbon and the organisation wants to especially help those facing financial hardship. Advice, guidance and counselling are offered as well as victim-offender mediation and restorative justice. The organisation also contributes to the adoption of laws made in Portugal and has a network of support offices across the country, including in the Algarve, in Olhão, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Vila Real de Santo Antonio and São Brás de Alportel. People can donate to the charity online or via a bequest in a Will. Money goes towards training people to support victims of crime whether it be robbery, property damage, domestic violence, rape, fraud or arson.

APAV also focuses on responsible reporting of cases concerning victims of crime. Last year, the charity promoted the 4th edition of the APAV Award for Journalism, believing that “the quality, relevance and importance of journalism should be recognised”. The award is given annually to the best journalistic piece which, in the previous year, contributed to the knowledge of the issues or problems related to the support of victims of crime in Portugal.

Volunteers include researchers, translators, public relations specialists, administrative staff, designers, nurses, doctors, etc, and represent the strength behind APAV. They each contribute several hours a week to provide unpaid support to victims of crime.

T: 289 820 788 – Faro

E: apav.sede@apav.pt

W: apav.pt

The Centre Algarve Holiday Centre

In Moncarapacho just outside Olhão, is mainland Europe’s only specialist holiday centre that is fully equipped to allow people with special needs, young and old, to experience a proper holiday with their family or carers. In the backdrop of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, the site comprises 14 bedrooms in a picturesque villa setting, featuring equipment like wheelchair hoists to suit a range of needs, a swimming pool, multisensory discovery centre, vegetable gardens and access to animals like rabbits and birds.

The centre is perfect for people with physical or learning disabilities and special needs, and because the whole family is supported, it means respite for those caring for someone full time. The founder, Andy Mahoney, was a recipient of the Prime Minister Points of Light Award when Theresa May was Prime Minister. The award recognises outstanding volunteers who make a difference to their community. In a personal letter to Andy, Theresa May said: “Across the world British volunteers like you are helping to build a better world for everyone. The Point of Light award is a small thank you on behalf of the whole country, in recognition of your exceptional service.”

While the holiday Centre is a business in itself, its charity arm, The 24×7 Special Needs Holiday Trust, was established to raise funds to help send people to the Centre for a well-deserved break, which for many is their first break in years. You can donate money, time, sponsor an animal, or take part in any of the special events staged.

Volunteers are always required to help with maintainance, including care of the animals and gardening.

Belinda Williams

T: 961 917 917 for information. W: centrealgarve.org

The New Goldra Dog Sanctuary

The New Goldra Dog Sanctuary near Loulé aims to rehabilitate street dogs and is looking after over 70 pups. It is run by volunteers and supported by fundraisers, fundraising events and sponsors. Most dogs at the sanctuary are ready to be adopted and find their forever home. However, dogs that cannot be rehomed will stay at the sanctuary and be sponsored. These dogs are usually older or ill. Sponsors pay €10–€12 a month to help pay for food, treats and toys. Payments are usually made monthly or yearly and can be made via PayPal.

For those who love dogs and want to help out, you could consider becoming a volunteer – just a few hours a week or month are extremely beneficial.

There are numerous jobs including cleaning pens, feeding, bathing and grooming and, importantly, giving cuddles to help the dogs feel loved. Volunteers will also help with dog walking, which is great for the animals who rarely get to leave the sanctuary, and lead walking is a good form of training for the dogs so they can adapt more easily once adopted.

Goldra also need people to foster a dog or puppy to make the transition between kennel and forever home easier. All vet costs and some food costs are covered by the charity.

Jan Henderson

E: info@thegoldradogsanctuary.com

W: thegoldradogsanctuary.com

The Algarve Network For Families In Need

This charity acquires items like pieces of furniture from people who no longer need them, and distribute them to those who do. Recipients include one family who lost their home in a fire and needed basics like beds, drawers and clothes. The charity, which has a large Facebook community with over 6,000 members, started life a decade ago in Albufeira as a response to rising levels of poverty, but really came into its own during the COVID-19 pandemic when hundreds of people from sectors like hospitality, which the Algarve so relies on, lost their jobs and needed practical support; 1,500 people per week were receiving food donations over a 16-month period. These were eventually phased out after lockdown in July 2021.

Over Christmas, the registered charity supplied toiletries, toys and goodies to people in need so they could also enjoy the festive period. Now, there are collection points at supermarkets across the Algarve, including Lagos Lidl, Luz Baptista Supermarket and Iceland in Guia Retail Park. Donations are accepted via paypal for anyone who can’t donate in person, and volunteers are needed to sort items that have been donated, deliver and help with storage.

Nadia Cann

T: 938 044 790

E: algarvefamiliesinneed@hotmail.com

W: algarvefin.wixsite.com