Swim for Shoes 2016/17 the annual event to swim or paddle in the Atlantic Ocean has, this year, so far raised over 1100 Euros for children in care. Many congratulations and thanks to all those who participated.

The weather was perfect for both of the events, one on Christmas day, and the second on New Year's day.

Christmas 2016 was particularly heart warming for the Castelo de Sonhos charity, as so many people and organisations helped the underprivileged families of Silves council this Christmas season.

The annual Christmas Charity Lunch was held at the Fatacil Restaurant in Lagoa with the usual excellent menu and service provided by Marcelo and co.

With money from the lunch, plus donations from the rides and other donations for cakes and mince pies made by Dee Shirley, and Pate made by John Tavener, resulted in a total of 1020€ being presented to the Gaivota home for teenagers in Albufeira.

Estoi Palace International Rotary Club (RCEPI) were delighted to welcome Pai Natal and his helper Mrs Klaus to the monthly food distribution at Estoi Casa do Povo to those familes registered with the Faro Food Bank.

Since 2009 RCEPI has supplied around 450 litres of long life milk per month to supplement the food packs from the Food Bank. 

Established just a few years ago, in 2013, Laranjal Golf Club has made a real impression on the community scene, showing its commitment to helping local causes. For the past three years, the club has held an annual Members’ Invitation Day, raising a high level of funding for their chosen charities.
Sponsors this year included Alan Shearer, Blenvin Franks, Candilamp, FIAAL, Fine Dining, Medals, Prime Wines and SGQL, in support of children’s charity ACCA and its Christmas Angels programme which this year ensured that more than 1,500 youngsters will wake up on Christmas Day to a gift from Santa.

Members of The Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) recently enjoyed a five-day excursion to Lisbon, Torres Vedras and Lourinha. They had a very varied programme moving through time.

The trip included a guided tour, by the Director, of the Lisbon Pharmacy Musuem which presents the history of medicine from ancient through to modern times. A tour of the area around Torres Vedras included a visit to the local museum which displays the prehistoric, Roman, Medieval and Peninsular War histories of the area. This was followed by visits in the local area to see Prehistoric cave sites, a Bronze Age hillfort and a Peninsular War battle site. An afternoon sightseeing in Obidos (medieval city and World Heritage Site) included sampling of the local 'brew' of ginga (cherry liquer) in chocolate cups!

Rotary e-Club Porches International is pleased to announce that, with the support of Tourism Algarve and the Lagoa Câmara, we held a sold-out Christmas Market on November 19 & 20th at the Centre de Arade in Ferragudo. There were more than 100 vendors and together we raised nearly € 6000 to support local projects, including the LAR S. José in Ferragudo. We were pleased to welcome many new vendors.

The Rotary Club of Estoi Palace International (RCEPI) organised a fundraising bike ride with Activity Algarve Bike Rides on Sunday 20th November. Despite the inclement weather the enthusiastic group of riders cycled all the way up to the top of the Cerro Sao Miguel on a challenging 35 km round trip starting from Estoi Pousada and ending in front of the church in Estoi. Well done to everyone who took part and contributed, donations and sponsorship raised a total of 1100 euros.