Happy days are here again!

Indeed, there were a lot of smiley faces and happy tummies at the recent Summer Party lunch hosted by the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA). Members and guests gathered at Taberna do Sul in Praia da Rocha for an afternoon of food, fun and good company.

“Upon arrival, each guest was served a delicious luxury picnic and a chance to sample a moggie-cocktail,” reports Paul Jokinen-Carter, producer and director of the luncheon event.

His talented crew of performers presented a series of comedy sketches and songs. “They were either penned by the cast, or re-written from original material especially for the show…”

A unique afternoon which was concluded by a catwalk of the cast modelling summer clothing which had been up-cycled and sourced from APAA’s Alvor and Silves Charity Shops.

The event raised a stunning amount of just over €1,600. “A big thanks to the cast and crew for a memorable afternoon and to the guests for being so lively and supportive…” As Paul says, “Another great APAA success – well done everyone!”

The backroom, bake-or-break team want to thank Jean-Marie, a talented bakeress from USA who put in a lot of work to get Jenny and her team up to speed for the delicious morsels.

Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, is of course wondering ‘what next?’ Quite rightly so.

APAA always has something up its sleeve: garden parties, swinging sixties, murder mysteries, pop-up shops… The list is almost endless. “We are always on the look-out for new ideas for raising money.” Any ideas? Let Jenny know.

All the money raised at events is for the huge amounts of bills needed to be paid for SNiP, the spaying and neutering programme run by APAA, not only for the vast amount of feral cat colonies but shelters, associations and families with dogs and cats needing help.

Recently, a cat-colony carer came across a newcomer – small and fragile with huge eyes. “Someone will give her a home! We’ re not too sure if she was dumped into the colony or whether her mother had kittens and hid them…”

Join APAA, help animals in need and share some happiness along the way. This is a good chance to meet people and be part of an original out-of-the-box thinking group of people!

Visit APAA charity shops

Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm

Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)

Real bargains! Books, gifts, handmade jewellery, ornaments, homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP (animal sterilisation) and abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Think APAA.

Jackie’s lunches & all events: [email protected]

Pets: [email protected]

Please check out APAA’s Facebook

APAA

APAA - Association for the Protection of Animals in the Algarve. Helping animals in the Algarve by providing funding for spaying, neutering and emergency pet care.

APAA Portugal is not an animal rescue centre. www.apaaportugal.com