“We strive firstly, to make as much money as we possibly can, to save our furry canine and feline friends from suffering. And then, finding abandoned animals homes. Creating safe cat-colonies for feral cats.” She pauses. “And, help other associations, shelters and families in need, when they’re in difficulty…” Sometimes this means taking a chance and doing something different. “Paul, a very talented member wanted to create a festive summer lunch.”

Given the nod, Paul Jokinen-Carter and his team put together a mind-boggling array of original songs, comedy sketches and a finalé consisting of the cast taking to the catwalk, modelling fashion-ware up-cycled from clothing purloined from the APAA Charity Shops at Alvor and Silves. “We managed to provide a wonderful picnic lunch, with a moggie cocktail, designed for the occasion by the hosts at Taberna do Sul in Praia da Rocha.” Jenny heads the bake-off picnic lunch cook-in-batches or else, team, but wants to thank Jean-Marie, especially for creating her special wonders for the picnic. “A big thanks,” says Paul, “to the cast and crew for a memorable afternoon and our guests for being so lively and supportive.”

He’s right of course, with 1610€ to put in the treasure-chest. “This is part of our extended event ideology. Try to create an event which is different and gives people a chance to donate their time and money to APAA’s SNiP campaign. Simply becoming a member or making a donation all add up and help! APAA’s Spaying & Neutering Programme reaches far and wide. Feral-cat-colonies are their prime target as their outstanding figure show. Abandoned animals need vet care, and re-homing the list is endless. “Food collections help but they can only reach so much of the iceberg. The cat-colonies are increasing not decreasing despite our intervention!”

A recent new member in a cat-colony, either dumped inside surreptitiously or managed to escape the rest of her family, now waiting to be re-homed. A little beauty indeed, but another cost for sterilisation, feeding and care where the numbers of feral-cats are already colossal. SNiP’ping is the only answer but it costs!

Visit APAA Charity shops Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat 10.30am–2pm Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves: Mon-Fri 10am–2pm (Sat1pm) Silves. Real bargains. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Clothing. Everything you need for your home or rental. All proceeds raised for SNiP and Abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Think APAA.

Jackie’s lunches & events: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (Mark Anita for ‘Legacy for Pets’)

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