The Wolf Valley Charity Fund
Based in Vale do Lobo, the Wolf Walley Charity Fund works to raise money that can be distributed to worthy causes across Loulè. Beneficiaries include UNIR Saùde Mental Health and Casa da Primeira Infància. Founded in 1999 by a group of residents eager to support their new Portuguese community, all money raised – over €1million so far – is spent on supporting the organisations that need its help most. Wolf Valley “relies on the generosity and enthusiastic participation of Vale do Lobo companies and staff, as well as Vale do Lobo property owners, linked operators, local companies and other kind friends.” It is renowned for its annual “Charity Day”, which has become a firm fixture in the Vale do Lobo social calendar. This year’s Golf Tournament is being held on Saturday 21 August, with golfers and non golfers alike being encouraged to sign up for an action- packed fun day as well as a vital fundraiser.
E: help@wolfvalleycharity.com
W: wolfvalleycharity.com

Alerta
A number of wildfires have gripped the Algarve in recent years. In 2018, more than 1,000 firefighters battled flames in the hills above Monchique. Last year, a number of people had to be evacuated from their homes near the Spanish border before the flames fanned towards Tavira. This is where charity Alerta comes into force. Formally established in 2016 by British ex-pat Debby Burton, Alerta is the Forest Fire Alert Association, and works to support firefighters while supplying vital information to residents. Volunteers work tirelessly throughout the wildfire season, distributing supplies like food, drink and clean clothing to Bombeiros. Larger monetary donations are spent on things like PPE equipment and defibrillators. In 2019, Debby was awarded the British Empire Medal, in recognition of her achievements. Donations are welcome from members of the public, including toiletries and snack bars. The full list of what’s needed can be found online along with drop off points for donations. You can become a team member and help update the dedicated Facebook page with information during fire season. All you need is a laptop or ipad with a reliable internet connection; full training is provided.
E: bombeirosalgarve@gmail.com
W: algarvefire.info
F: Associação Alerta de incendio Florestal /Forest Fire Alert

Madrugada
Madrugada offers help and support to people in the Algarve affected by a life-limiting illness. This includes end-of-life nursing care so people can stay in their own homes. Based in Luz, this charity is in need of volunteers and experienced carers in Luz, Lagos and Lagoa.
Madrugada, which translates to dawn in English, relies entirely on donations to be able to offer its services free of charge. Typically, care provision at end-of-life can last from four to 14 days at a daily cost of approximately €500 for 24 hour care. One hour of nursing care with a registered palliative care nurse costs Madrugada €25.
The charity says that where possible, it “endeavours to offset these costs through medical insurance and donations” but this is not always the case. The charity has a number of shops, including a large-home-stores in Lagos and Lagoa, where you can buy items and furniture with the money going straight back into the charity. If you have a few hours to spare, be it weekly or on a regular basis, email Magrugda.
T: 282 761 375 for more information.
E: office@madrugada-portugal.com
W: madrugada-portugal.com

Lar de Crianças Bom Samaritano
Lar de Crianças Bom Samaritano, or Children’s Home Good Samaritan in Alvor, was established in 1993. The charity takes in children up to the age of 12, providing them with a safe home, and where possible, keeping siblings together. It describes itself as a “non-profit Private Institution of Social Solidarity.” Financial support comes from monetary assistance from the government, from charity partners or from the general public, mainly the people of Portimão. The charity is keen to replicate a family environment, providing love and stability while allowing youngsters their privacy. The children’s home provides youngsters with access to medical check-ups and treatment when needed, as well as guidance on their education and future job prospects.
T: 925 405 457
E: lcbs.adm@gmail.com
W: larcbomsamaritano.org

Castelo de Sonhos
Castelo de Sonhos, or Castle of Dreams, is a Silves-based charity which helps the poor and underprivileged in the area. Formed in 1999, it services more than 8,500 people. The charity supplies basic necessities like food, clothing, bedding, and some furniture to less well-off families. It also gives some legal, social and psychological support where needed. The charity is run by volunteers and is funded via its shop in Silves and donations. One of its most popular initiatives is its Annual Shoebox Drive for the Elderly each Christmas. Those wishing to help are urged to fill a shoebox full of necessities like soap, body lotion, a woolly hat or socks. These boxes are then distributed by the charity to elderly residents in need. Before the pandemic began in 2020, the charity was celebrating its 16th year of the initiative.
T: 282 441 654 / 968 774 904
E: geral@castelodesonhos.pt
W: facebook.com/OCasteloDeSonhos/

AOA
The Association of Oncology Algarve, founded in 1994, describes itself as “a private institution of social solidarity, non-profit of public utility and with health purposes.” Based in Faro, it provides help and support to people on the Algarve who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families. It offers several services including physiotherapy and speech therapy. It promotes itself through a number of campaigns including Blue November, which aims to educate men on the prevention of male cancers: Prostate and Testicular Cancer.
Funding has helped elevate many aspects of the charity; in 2006, the Radiotherapy Unit of the Algarve was launched. It is the first radiotherapy unit south of the Tagus, carrying out more than 19,000 treatments a year. The unit means cancer patients can avoid having to travel to Lisbon for radiotherapy treatments which can last as long as six weeks. In 2017, the TRUE BEAM Linear Accelerator came into operation, allowing for greater precision in the distribution of treatment to the tumour and with greater efficiency, meaning the patient is subjected to less radiation.
To donate to the AOA, you can fill out a form via website or send a cheque or a bank transfer to:
IBAN FOR TRANSFER: CCA // PT50 0045 7210 40222924977 44
Note: Send the transfer/deposit slip to the AOA Headquarters, with your NAME and NIF, and they send you the donation receipt upon return .
T: 289 807 531
E: geral@aoa.pt
W: aoa.pt

The Association of Ukrainians in the Algarve
This Faro based community group is now accepting donations of bedding, clothes, food, hygiene products and power banks. The charity does ask that the items are in good condition as it is unable to “treat” clothing and bedding before it is shipped to those in need. The full list of donations that are being accepted can be found on the group’s Facebook page.
E: auafaro@gmail.com
W: facebook.com/AssociacaodosUcranianosnoAlgarve

Words: Lucy Meyer