The year of 2020 has been a difficult time for all of us including the many motorcyclists of the ASB. Many of the larger group events and rides being postponed or cancelled due to the Coronavirus situation and the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Annual Charity lunch was one such casualty being cancelled for the first time in the ten years since the ASB was formed. However, throughout the year due to the great generosity of the members the ASB has continued it's charity fundraising to support the Gaivota home for children and teenagers in Albufeira. During the year the ASB has raised money for various purposes including the purchase of Easter eggs and Christmas presents for all the kids. Desk and bedside lights provided to help with reading and home studies during lockdown.
The ASB Challenge and Photo challenge initiative from Andrew Chilton assisted by Erwin Oortman and myself provided a good part of the funds for these items. With members getting to know the Algarve and Lower Alentejo even better by setting on their own or in small groups in search of the various suggested waypoints. Their ASB Photo challenge pictures are on the website HERE.
As a result of the recent appeal to make up for the cancellation of the Annual Charity lunch I had the pleasure of presenting to Claudia Loios, the director of the home, 2450 euros to help with the purchase equipment and machinery etc. for the new laundry room. This this brings the total raised over the year to 3550 Euros.
There are also some members how have their own fund raising initiatives in addition to the above but very worthy of a mention and their efforts are much appreciated.
They are Stephen and Julie Hall and friends, Leo Laurense and Asha Mohan and friends and Martin Holloway and the quizzers at the Cocktail Garden in Monte Caevoeiro.
On behalf of all the kids at Gaivota I would like to thank you all for making all this possible in these difficult times.
Thank you all for your support throughout the year.
I wish you all the very best for the festive season and a happy and safe new year. Let's hope it is not too long before we can resume our usual group rides and events.
David Shirley - ASB Organiser
E: algarveseniorbikers@gmail.com
W: https://algarveseniorbikers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Algarve-Senior-Bikers
