Indeed. That is the question. Jenny Clarke, President of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has come across this famous quote for a variety of reasons.
“We try to keep ahead of the game, as difficult as it is in the current economic climate.” Revamping their Alvor shop several times, until it is almost now their flagship. “A lot of hard work and thought has gone into the changes. Alvor is, after all, a tourist town with all the trimmings! Our charity shop assistants are worth their weight in gold!”
APAA’s stand at the recent Expo 26 event run by AFPOP was a success, despite the change of name and dates, where some confusion arose that BLiP would follow the next week! Jackie, treasurer and luncheon co-ordinator, had to transfer her World Animal Day event, normally on the 4th, to another date. “Luckily, the event was still a success and a wonderful lunch was had by all!”
There was a good-luck element to their stand when a gentleman visitor wanted to know how much their ‘freebie’ pens were. “I explained it was a giveaway for those showing an interest in APAA’s stand at our work. He dug into his wallet and produced 60€ I was a bit stunned and explained it was for free. He remonstrated, saying we did excellent work and deserved it!” Taking into account that being reinstated to a private- charities-grant-programme, having been struck off for supplying food to cat colonies and not for dogs.
“Whoops! We won’t be doing that again. Small print! It was hard because the cat-people get penalised, not me, or APAA!” Given the chance to adopt an animal, whether feline or canine, takes thought and patience. The season ahead has problems with all animals who are abandoned or need help. Lucky ‘Mickey’ got a home through Gatil Portimão, a black cat in Portugal is unlucky! Porsche the German Shepherd, however, looks cool about the cat!
Check out the new-look APAA Charity shop at Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat at 10.30am–2pm. Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri 10am–2pm (Sat 1pm). Real bargains. Never-too-early Christmas presents, handmade jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! Good quality unwanted gifts are welcome. Don’t forget to visit their Ferragudo Fair Boot Sale Event every second Sunday of the month. (Weather and road closure permitting!) Sorry, no preserves or cookies.
Diary: Monday 26 October ‘O Tasco’ Pop-Up (Chicken Piri-piri-day!). Always a favourite for the locals and members alike. Goodies galore!
A must: Friday 11 December joint APAA Christmas Charity Ball & Dinner.
Silves Rotary Club: secretary.rotarysilves@gmail.com
Contacts: Jackie’s Lunches & Events: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy)
Always Check out Facebook! Charity Auctions!