Attended by over 100 supporters, mostly from the Vale do Lobo & Quinta do Lago area, the dinner with 12 auction prizes and over 60 raffle prizes kindly donated by local businesses to support the cause, raised over 25,000€.

The annual running costs of the ARA shelter at Cabanita, Loulé is more than 450,000€.

It relies totally on private donations and the income from its charity shops “WOOFF” which are run entirely on volunteers mostly from VDL, Golden triangle & Loulé.

The event saw founder Sid Richardson make a speech to give thanks to many people including consistent supporters to ARA.

He explained that in the last 4 years ARA has been responsible for rescue & selective rehoming of approximately 1300 animals.

With its onsite accommodation ARA has had circa 1600 live in volunteers from around the world which has been fundamental in the running of the shelter.

ARA has engaged in several community projects, including cat sterilisation of approx. 1000 feral cats & creating protocols and projects at 15 schools in the Loulé area to help change the next generations mindset regarding animal welfare.

Sid told everyone how ARA is now acknowledged as the “stand out” shelter in the Algarve and he hopes in time, one day it to be an equivalent to the UK “Battersea” in Portugal.

The ongoing battle of changing the mindset of Portugal regarding Dogs on chains and puppies left in plastic bags by the bins has got to change and with the ARA´s teams endless efforts, Sid is hopeful that one day this will happen.

You can also help make a change by:

making a small regular donation; donating animal supplies; donating clothes or quality furniture; or become a volunteer in one of our charity shops.

How to get in touch with ARA:

Email: admin@animalrescuealgarve.com

Tel: (+351) 910 476 880 | (+351) 910 476 885