The ladies are seated in a semi—circle in the shade, discussing with Anita (Ambassador for ‘Legacy for Pets’) the pros and cons of having pets, what we do with them when not possible to look after them. Kennels versus Home-sitting. The conversation is lively and interesting. Some have come from the Lagos area, others dotted along the Algarve, Tunis, and Portimão. Origins, South Africa, Australia.

Heavens! The attraction today, food, company and relaxation, but the main reason will be donating time and money to charity. APAA’s SNiP (Spaying & Neutralising programme) around the Algarve, helping abandoned animals, their shelters and small associations helping with the struggling animal population. “We always have a lot of interest in the lunches, for mixed couples as well! This is just a change to have a ladies' get-together for a small window in time.”

Credits: Supplied Image;

Jenny’s home-made preserves, chutneys and jams, and Jackie’s cookies will sell well too. Books and hand-made jewellery are also on sale. “It’s a good reason to get our membership together to find out what they want. How can we help them? How can they help us?” Anita’s ‘Legacy for Pets’ is doing well, and she has brought her tool-bag along with leaflets and is discussing her visual aid, the new ‘Legacy video’. She is now touring up and down looking for likely visitors to ARA, The Animal Rescue Algarve, shelter outside Loulé.

She wants people to have the opportunity to know there is an option to have pets, whether young or old. “You don’t have to be alone. There is always a pet suited to you.” Indeed, APAA would rather an animal had a proper, loving, caring home for a short time than none at all. Perhaps even fostering. The lunch has been arranged on two tables. Select your table by taking a ticket. Later, a swap around so that guests get to meet each other and exchange friendly greetings. “It’s a pleasure seeing the ladies meet and greet, enjoying themselves and helping to raise money for a good cause.”


The next autumn season should be even busier for APAA, with their revived ‘Pop-Up’ Shops. Always looking out for new stock. Also restarting the Car-boot at Ferragudo. All helps to get the money in to those who need it most. Animals. Our furry feline and canine friends. Their human owners. Thank you!

Visit our Charity shops I Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat 10.30 am–2pm, Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves: Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat 1 pm), Silves

Jackie Lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Legacy ‘Pet Plan’ video: https://youtu.be/yjP0obY0dUk