The annual charity event to swim or paddle in the Atlantic Ocean has, this year, so far, raised over 1600 Euros for children in care. A big thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part, to BlueXperience for participating on paddles on Christmas Day, the teams of Volunteers collecting donations, those who watched, the media for the publicity, Diogo Correia and Alberto Cortez for their superb photografic coverage of the events and to everyone who donated so generously.

Castelo de Sonhos (CdeS) the Silves based family charity would like to thank everyone who helped make their annual kids Christmas Party such a success.

The Silves Town Hall & local Council office supplied the FISSUL exhibition space for the party plus two enormous bouncy castles, the face painting materials and a popcorn cart, they also designed & printed the poster and purchased soft drinks and party food.

Thank you and congratulations to all those who participated in the Traditional Charity Santa Swim on Christmas Day in Armação de Pêra.

The weather was warm with blue skies and sea was fairly calm, (unfortunately the low tide meant it was a little rocky) with a temperature of about 21ºC.

Thanks to the tremendous generous response from everybody this year, well over 200 boxes filled with items of warm clothing, food, chocolates and other goodies have been received by the family charity Castelo de Sonhos based in Silves.
Distribution is now taking place with many boxes being delivered to rural areas such as Sao Marcos da Serra. From the attached photos you can see the joy these boxes bring to elderly people, especially to those living on their own.

The Algarve Senior Bikers held their annual charity lunch on Friday 14 th of December. Returning to the popular Fatacil restaurant for the ninth time since the group was formed.

A draw for a festive hamper was made by Sandra Rodrigues one of two guests from the staff of the Gaivota home and she managed to pick her own ticket but promised to share the goodies with the kids in the home.

Almancil International Rotary Club's first ever golf competition raised a total of 5,700 euros for local charities which will include Centro de Dia Alzheimer e Parkinson day care centre in Vila Sol. The centre will eventually provide day care facilities for up to 20 people with special needs.

Over 1,200 visitors and 70 exhibitors helped to create a fantastic festive atmosphere at the annual Vale do Lobo Charity Christmas Market on 1st December.

A huge range of exhibitors’ delighted visitors with stalls selling everything from gourmet food products to unique Christmas presents while local singing groups, a live saxophone performance and even a magician entertained everyone, both young and old, throughout the day.

Last Saturday, 1st December, 2018, nearly 200 Santas took part in the seventh Armação de Pêra Santa Parade,  organised by the Junta de Freguesia de Armação de Pêra,  BTT Algarve Maniacs, Urban Gym and the Holiday Inn Algarve. The event was in aid of the Espaço Amigos Armação de Pêra who provide food for local families in need.