“We’ll be planning during the next few months, the events and pop-up shops for 23/24.”

Time passes so quickly here on the Algarve. Apparently so much to do. Some of the team are still working in the background. No one is caught ‘cat-napping’. Jenny grins. “The cat-colony crisis never ends. There are hundreds of thousands of cats and they threaten to be even more coming our way.” SNiP APAA’s big campaign is very much underway. Spaying & Neutering Programme, has been their main objective for some time now. “We had so much support and quite honestly, we need even more.”

The original idea by Zélia Santos, APAA’s own cat-woman, was to get Silves Prison involved in the making of the cat shelters. Very popular. Sounds like a good idea. APAA’s team members will hopefully have a reasonable seasonable break. Jenny their president, has just finished another batch of a super-duper cherry and apple jam. Gadzooks! Another stunning recipe to add to her growing numbers. “I have been making some smaller taster-pots.” Yes! “I am waiting for a mark-up.” Jenny’s cheeky grin spreads. “They are popular for all the year around. Especially summer picnics and poolside suppers.” Got it.

Gathering momentum over the years, APAA has managed to give some not-so-small amounts to help other charities and shelters. “We can only stand by our motto. ‘Here to Help’. Indeed. New arrivals on the Algarve always look for new societies and associations to get social and help out. “Some of our members are still catching their breath moving here.” Quite. “Just make sure that whilst you are shading yourselves and keeping cool, that you look after your little four-legged friends too.” Please provide plenty of cold water and shady nooks. Give taking them down to the beach or for a picnic a second thought. It may be fun for humans but for our furry friends may be different. Don’t forget the little human ones need care in this weather too! Floppy hats and loads of sun-cream. Ice-cream? Yes, please!

APAA’s two charity shops in Alvor and Silves are getting the top dollar treatment and customers are always given VIP service, all the help they need. Home, garden and patio make-overs are always popular. Crystal glasses, beautiful dinner sets for the dining table. Gifts, clothes and so much more. And, of course, the ever-popular jams, chutneys, marmalades and preserves. You never know the bargains that are available in one space. If you have any ideas to help APAA’s next season of events and pop-up shop locations contact Jenny!

Contact Jenny info.apaaportugal@gmail.com