Our Charities
The Chaplaincy of St. Vincent in the Algarve is entirely self-supporting and our three churches and two Chaplains are funded solely from the contributions made by members of the congregations and from fund raising events that are held throughout the year.
Nevertheless, St. Vincent's Chaplaincy supports those who are in need; whether they are next door in Lagos or São Bras de Alportel; in Lisbon, in Malawi, Kenya or Peru. We seek, as we have been called to do - to bless others, as we ourselves have been blessed by God. We believe that in so doing we are reaching out, not with our own hands, but as the arms of the Body of Jesus Christ, His Church. Our ministries near, and far, are described below:
Organisations and individuals to whom we make cash donations:
Nurses in Training at Faro hospital.
For many years, the Chaplaincy has provided support to nurses who are undergoing training at Faro Hospital. The funds go towards the general living costs and assistance in purchasing the essential training materials.
This photo shows two such nurses (Telma and Celso) that are in their final year of study. We wish them well in the future and salute their vocation in their chosen profession.
Lar Sao Vicente at Albufeira.
We have a close connection with this most worthy cause. The Lar is a residential home for approximately 36 people, many of whom are mentally or physically disabled. Visits to the Lar always leave an impression of a dedicated and committed team who go about their daily work with a cheery smile. The capabilities of the patients vary widely and for those who are able to attend, courses are held in various handicrafts. However, special consideration is given for those patients who are confined to a wheelchair or to bed. Our donations are used in many and various ways, but there is always a need for funds for building maintenance. Equally, everyday things such as sheets, towels and toiletries are in heavy demand.
We are proud to be associated with this organization.
Royal British Legion
Our connection with the Portugal Branch of the Royal British Legion was established some years ago and each year, on Remembrance Sunday, St. Luke's Church hosts the official Service of Remembrance for the Algarve when wreaths are laid by HM Ambassador to Portugal (or HM Consul to the Algarve) and members of the Royal British Legion. At this service we join with the British community throughout the world in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We pray for those who continue to suffer as a result of their service, including many living in the Algarve, and we pray for peace. The collection that is taken at the Remembrance service is donated in full to the RBL Poppy Appeal and in 2011 the amount donated was €938. Also in 2011 a service was held at our Tavira Church to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion.
Learn more here: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/portugal
The Potter’s Village - Uganda
The village is a child crisis centre in Kisoro, South West Uganda, where abandoned babies, teenage mothers and destitute pre-school children are cared for and can find new hope for the future. The Potter's Village exists to rescue babies who have no other chance of survival. Up to 30 babies can be given a home on the site. Babies will be given optimum provision to thrive with one-to-one care within a family environment.
The work of the Revd. Jenny Green and her colleagues is greatly admired by our congregations and we commend this charity to all.
As well as cash donations, we would ask you to remember the staff and the children being cared for, in your prayers.
Please learn more by visiting the website, here: http://www.pottersvillage.org.uk/
Or for the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu_OJpcNmWg
Stop Press - This message just received:
"We have recently had a trustees meeting, and are very aware that with inflation and other increasing costs, we are greatly in need of more sponsors for the babies. Sponsors can decide what amount they would like to give, and it will be put towards the general running costs involved in the care of each baby, and the sponsor will be assigned a baby whose progress they will be kept informed of.
It is hugely helpful to have regular income as I am sure you are aware, and it is not difficult to register to become a sponsor either!
Hope this meets with interest and that some people will feel able to commit in this way, with many thanks for your help,
Lizzy"
Should anyone wish to assist this most worthy cause, please contact Potters Village direct or, alternatively, we would be very pleased to pass on your details to the UK representatives.
Bishop Geoffrey's Lent Appeal
Other Charitable Work:
Lagos Homeless People
The International church in Lagos coordinates the work with the homeless in the area and the congregation of St Vincent’s in Luz, give their support by collecting food once a month.
Through a charity we have obtained cooking equipment for this worthy cause and a member of our congregation provided a hob, to improve their facilities.
In the past, we have supplied food which could be eaten cold, but the emphasis now is on supplies that can be quickly transformed into hot and nourishing meals.
There are many nationalities appealing for help and most weeks there are about 40 hungry customers. Additionally, we are now seeing many local Portuguese who need basic commodities such as flour or oil etc. so that they can make a meal for their families.
At Christmas our local committee gave money for the purchase of turkeys that were much appreciated by the 60 people who were served a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and some extra treats.
In addition to the food we collect and supply basic hygene items, such as tooth brushes, tooth paste, shower gel, shampoo and combs.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Joyce Daffey 282 788 104
Harvest Festival and others - St. Luke's
Our Harvest Festival has grown from small beginnings in 1990 to something of an event in the Eastern Algarve, thanks to the generosity of our congregation and outside support. Last year we gave to 22 families, a total of 78 people, and the boxes were very gratefully received. At Christmas our "Sweets and Treats" went to 36 children on our harvest festival list.
In response to requests from the Junta da Freguesia in Sta. Barbara de Nexe we are now giving blankets and warm clothes to the poor of the area, mostly old people. Donations are coming in well, but we need word to go out to those who are not necessarily church goers but will still be happy to give worn clothing in good condition. Children´s clothes and toys will also be appreciated. If you have anything to give,we can arrange collection or delivery.
St. Vincent's Youth Club in Luz
Challenge 2012
Luz Church Youth Club was issued a Challenge at Christmas time to find something to do, which will bless others, so as to allow God to bless you, as you do so.
They looked overseas; back in the UK and elsewhere. It became more and more clear that the place which needed the most, was right here, 'in our own backyard'.
So, with the help of the Church of Scotland in Lisbon, they are going to work in Lisbon for a few days in April, to help out at a foodbank and a community centre for homeless people. To assist at the British Cemetery, and to do some work in an 'eco-garden' in the grounds of the Church of Scotland. They will also join with the people of St. George's Church of England on Sunday 29 April for worship.
It is an attempt to do two things: reaffirm the bonds of friendship which are so much a part of the Youth Club experience, and to allow those blessings to extend to others.
We look forward to their report
