Almost certainly not, but it can make the world of difference to the work of ACCA. Now in its 13th year looking after children in need in the Algarve, the charity continues to seek out members who will support its many activities.

Knowing you can help improve the lives of children in need is hugely rewarding and often it takes no more than small change to make a big difference. By becoming a member of ACCA, your monthly €10 contribution (€120 pa) will add to the charity’s funds which are used to buy specific equipment for disabled youngsters, supply psychological and physical therapies for those with special needs, even nappies and milk for babies from families well below the poverty line. ACCA also pledges to help children who are on the street; even here in the Algarve, there are areas where the standard of housing is frighteningly low and there are children living without water.

On Sunday 17th April 2016 there will be a West Coast Fun Dog Day in Vales, in aid of AEZA, the shelter for dogs and cats.

The fun begins at 10.30am, and includes a Dog Show and Parade, Dog Agility Demonstration, stalls with pet products, homemade produce, second-hand clothes and bric-a-brac, and of course there will be food and drink available throughout the day.

Madrugada's Retail Manager, Judith, joined Madrugada in June 2015. " I have to admit that I didn’t fully realise what was coming my way! With an extensive background in retail operations and multi site management I imagined that taking ownership of three charity shops; two in the beautiful sleepy town of Praia da Luz and one in the more upbeat town of Almancil, would be a ‘walk in the park’ ….Hmmm think again Judith!"

"I have been constantly amazed and humbled by the generosity of people who donate items to Madrugada charity shops. I am equally amazed and overwhelmingly grateful to the volunteers who give their precious time to help Madrugada help others. The last six months have been a learning curve and not without challenges, but with wonderful support the shops saw a successful end to 2015."

Rotary Club Estoi Palace has been providing support to Estoi’s Casa do Povo, in a number of different ways, for a number of years. 

In its most recent contribution, the Club has organised a metal wheelchair ramp for the entrance of the building so that disabled patrons can more easily access the facilities. The ramp itself was manufactured and installed by Metalgarve, a local metal working firm based in Bordeira.

News of recent fundraising events and projects, and dates for your diary for all 2016 events.

CLICK HERE to read all of the APAA News.

Tavira based Animal Charity ADOTA Associação dos Animais de Santa Luzia was founded in 2014 by two local Portuguese women, Alice Gil and Cristina Dentinho. The charity has the support of both Portuguese animal lovers and other nationalities in and around Tavira. They are passionate to ensure everyone can be included in their work, especially children and people with disabilities.

Children’s charity ACCA, set up to support youngsters in need across the Algarve, continues to raise funding through a range of activities that change hundreds of lives every year.

Be it through the supply of glasses for children with sight problems, therapy for kiddies with psychological needs, medication and treatment for youngsters with severe health problems or special equipment for those with a physical handicap, ACCA is there to help, support and make a difference. And at Christmas time, the charity brings a smile to small faces through its Angels programme by providing gifts for kids – 1,700 in 2015 – who would otherwise receive nothing.

The annual Christmas Lunch at the Fatacil Restaurant in Lagoa, plus a Bring and Buy Sale at Faro Moto Club, and other donations for cakes and mince pies made by Dee Shirley, and Paté made by John Tavener resulted in a fantastic total of €1000 being presented to Dr Ricardo Xufre, manager of the Gaivota home for teenagers in Albufiera.