The fundraising event will take place on the 8th of March at 12:30pm at at the Olive Garden, R. Dom João II 7, 8500-012 Alvor.

Moira told The Portugal News why she decided to run this fundraiser “I became aware of this Girls Home during some time volunteering at the local Soup Kitchen. Through my own experiences of growing up as a young woman in the 60’s and 70’s decades, I have always advocated equal rights for women and that every child/girl deserves the right to an education and am always in awe and fascinated by, stories of strong Women’s’ achievements.”

Adding, “It’s a very apt Charity to support on International Women's Day and I invited my friends Rebecca and Majella who between them started and run the Alvor Community Choir, to come on board with a plan to select some uplifting songs and provide a concert before we all enjoyed a lunch at the Beautiful Olive Garden run by locals in the community - Dawn and her husband Jonathan Taylor. This couple have both been very supportive of the idea and have priced a very affordable lunch so that people will be encouraged to join us and do lots of fundraising on the day.”

“When talking to the lovely Anabela who is the “Mother” of the home it became apparent of the expense of supporting these girls in the home. The costs of sanitary products, personal hygiene products and all the types of things we take for granted take a large amount of the budget they have available. They are also always trying to find funds for resources such as desks and chairs for study rooms. They would also welcome volunteers and hope to raise awareness of the Girls Home to enable future projects and plans to come to fruition.”


Girls Home in Portimão

Moira also kindly shared more about the Girls Home, “The home opened some 75 years ago - originally in Portimão - by a group of ladies who were linked to the Catholic Church - their main priority then was to offer support for the local factory workers in looking after their children making sure they had food and comfort through the day.

Fast forward to today and the home is now in the centre of Portimão and has facilities for up to 38 girls at a time. The situation of the girls being taken into the home and their background varies a lot. The girls are encouraged to go to school and they have had several move on to University and to good jobs later in life.~

Further explaining “Whilst they do get minimal funding from the government, they are represented by a volunteer group of professionals on their board of directors. These people can offer support and education with social skills and personal care. Also there are Psychologists to help with maybe trauma and issues from their previous lives that may affect them as individuals.”

Donations

“I’m suggesting donations of all types of toiletries. Shower gels, wet wipes, shampoo and conditioners, toothpaste, toothbrushes and sweet and savoury snacks that can be packed into lunchboxes and of course money for them to spend where they need to in order to benefit the girls. This isn’t just as a one off. I really would like the opportunity of working closely with the home to create regular fundraising events.”

For more information regarding donations please contact Moira English on (+351) 913 094 989.