Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) has, for a number of years, supported the 'Association of Mental Illnesses Families and Friends of the Algarve' (UNIR). Centre Director Dra Margarida Trindade heads a day care centre in Loulè where persons with mental disabilities are given occupational therapies.
When Dra Margarida asked for help towards a new UNIR centre in Portimão, AIRC member Dr Raymond Parfait organised a sports event at the Conrad Hotel which raised 4,000 euros. Sadly, however, Dra Margarida was unable to raise the balance of the money needed to pay for the centre so it couldn't go ahead.
Peter Hinze, the Chair of the Community Services committee consulted with Dra Margarida as to the best alternative way to spend the 4,000 euros. She first asked the clients what they most wished for and the response was very touching. Some said they would like to be able to smile without embarrassment and others that they longed to eat an apple or to be able to chew their food. It was therefore decided by the Club to use the money for dental treatment.
Immediately Club member Ursula Weber said that she, together with Oral-surgeon Prof. Dr.Günter Dhom a Rotary Member from Ludwigshafen Germany would donate 50 toothbrushes, toothpaste and mugs to UNIR. In addition, member, dentist Dra Patsy Delgado who practises at Atelier do Sorriso Medicina Dentária in Almancil, agreed to do the dental work at a reduced price on the 9 UNIR clients requiring treatment. In addition to the 4,000 euros raised at the sports event, Dra Patsy contributed a substantial sum of her own money to ensure that the clients received all the treatment necessary to fulfil their wishes.
"This is one of the most heart-warming projects we have been involved in" said Peter Hinze. "Life has dealt these people a hard blow and to see them smile is so rewarding. We can't stop here. They will need regular check-ups so the club will be holding more fund-raising events to cover the cost of further treatment and, of course, we will continue to support other projects in the Algarve".
