East Algarve Walking Football (EAWF), having already supported two local cafes in Olhão used by the players and given financial support to several individuals associated with Sporting Clube Olhanense, have now initiated a scheme to supply those in need with basic food stuffs, cleaning products, toiletries, hygiene products, animal feed, infant items such as nappies and much, much more.
In conjunction with SC Olhanense, where the collection of goods is based, the Junta de Freguesia de Olhão and the Município de Olhão the scheme has been running for two weeks. Co-ordinator Jonathan Syed said, “We have been pleased with the response of the public and will continue to support vulnerable families in the area. Through on-going fund-raising events some 5000 euros have been raised by EAWF to help the communities in Tavira and Olhão.”
Isidoro Sousa, president of SC Olhanense, praised the efforts of EAWF and the Olhanense Expat Supports Group when he addressed a small gathering at the club on the occasion of the club’s 108th Anniversary last Monday.
The Pink Flamingo Croquet and Social Club is coordinating efforts in Tavira based at the riverside ‘Black Anchor’ Irish Bar which has thrown open its doors to receive goods which are then sorted and distributed to families in liaison with the Families in Need Network. The response has been superb but every little helps and an online auction is helping to provide much needed funds for medications and fresh produce.
Delivery then takes place to hundreds of vulnerable adults and children in towns and villages – Tavira, Santa Luzia, Sao Brás de Alportel, Santa Catarina, Tavira, Manta Rota, VRSA and the surrounding countryside.
East Algarve Walking Football and East Algarve FC are an integral part of the operation.
There are various ways the public and businesses can help:
Drop-off points:
- José Arcanjo Stadium (behind McDonalds on the EN125) – every Monday between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm.
- Centre Algarve Special Needs Holiday Centre (on the Olhão road just outside Moncarapacho) – Monday to Friday between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm
- Black Anchor Irish Riverside bar, Tavira (near the old Roman Bridge) – Monday to Friday 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
- Supermarcado Alfresco in Conceição Tavira – during their normal opening hours;
Online auction:
Your items are needed to help fundraise for East Algarve Families in Need! People ask what can they auction? Here are a just few ideas, though offers are as unlimited as your imagination, from arts, crafts and quality gifts, meals, gardening, beauty therapies, car maintenance, the list is endless. Be a giver and bid generously!
For more information go to: https://tinyurl.com/FundraiserLove
Money raised so far:
Our special thanks go to all those who are also raising funds on an ongoing basis:
Mark Fox has raised over €2600 so far from EAWF members, and has also personally raised another €1150 with a sponsored marathon rowing adventure (in his front room) with the amount still growing – click here to donate to Foxy.
Chris Wright has raised €1130 via football scratchcards and donations collected from elsewhere and hopes to raise at least €720 more in the coming weeks.
We have sold all the vouchers for O Cantinho and the Hairy Lemon, and there are only a handful left in Jon Berrill’s clutches for Somewhere Else – Dave’s Bar.
A very special thank you to all the EAWF players who have contributed to the above so generously and all the others from Portugal and the UK who have also made contributions.
It is very much appreciated. THANK YOU!