Welcome to the Algarve Families in Need (AFIN) Website.... June 2025
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The year started with quite a few requests from families in need and thankfully, an amazing response from the generous folk who donate their goods to help families in need...... from baby clothes through to fridges..... so often, we are offered pre-loved items in great condition and because of this, we continue to distribute these to our families.
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Our launch of this website has been delayed but we're keen to cover the year, so we've started with some very important information relating to January activities. We will quickly bring the information up to date and then monthly, we'll prepare a report for the website on what we've been able to achieve and hopefully, we'll be able to include some of the heartwarming stories of individuals and families that we've been able to help.
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On 10 May 2025, we held our 2nd Annual General Meeting - click here for the English version... click here for the Portuguese version. At the AGM, Bernadette Abbott announced that she would no longer serve as Chairman of AFIN and nominated Nadia Cann to take over the role. Nadia accepted and the nomination was seconded and accepted.
Whilst we're confident that Bernadette will remain involved with AFIN and continue to play a role, everyone associated with AFIN will surely miss her. Of course, the Team is thrilled to welcome Nadia as Chairman.​​​
Farewell to an Algarve Families in Need (AFIN) Legend.... Bernadette Abbott
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Bernadette has been a tireless force for good across the Algarve, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to helping hundreds of families in need. Her relentless commitment to gathering donations — always urging others to give anything that might benefit someone else, has made a lasting impact in the community.
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Originally from Coventry in England, Bernadette and her husband Leon who has also lent a helping hand, moved to the the Algarve following retirement and remained there for nine years, thereafter making a move to Spain.​ Having been a teacher in Higher Education for many years, Bernadette found herself working in Children's Social Work Services; first as a social worker and then at various levels of management. This was where her love for helping those in need grew.
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​As she was so accustomed to "being busy all the time" retirement did not come easily and although she struggled at first to find voluntary work, she was delighted when she found she could help the Algarve Network for Families in Need charity. She found it quite distressing to learn of the poverty in a country viewed as "paradise" by so many people. At the same time she volunteered for three years in a soup kitchen in Lagos and working independently she assisted homeless people, mainly in western Algarve.
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During Covid, Bernadette and a small team were alerted to the plight of many traumatised families who had suddenly found that they would not have any income for some indefinite period. With little in the way of reserves to see them through a lockdown and/or assistance from authorities, Bernadette reached out to the community through Facebook posts and almost immediately, was inundated with responses from those who wanted to help and those who needed help..... she was manning the phone for something like five hours per day! In her words.... "We were surprised and motivated by the offers of help that were pouring in but soon realised that we would need help! Another FB post enabled us to recruit volunteers in various areas of the Algarve who were happy to work when they could, collecting and delivering goods and food.”
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Bernadette has built a comprehensive network with various associations across the Algarve and in May 2024, she was thrilled to announce the formation and registration of Algarve Families in Need...... a charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of so many families desperately in need.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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She has consistently placed the charity at the center of her life, even delaying her own family celebrations, such as arriving late to Spain on Christmas Eve, so she could ensure others had what they needed to enjoy the holidays. As she begins to step back, perhaps taking on more of a guiding, consultative role rather than being constantly on the ground, we hope she also takes the time to focus on herself and her loved ones. Yet, we know her spirit and passion for helping others will never truly fade.
From Nadia and the Team..... thank you, Bernadette, for your unwavering dedication, compassion and selflessness.
AFIN News.... January 2025
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The 2025 AFIN year started with quite a bit of movement of goods from those who’d like to offer their pre-loved items to those families who are in need.
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In January, we kicked the month of with successfully placing 2 x “big ticket items” in the form of a washing machine and a fridge/freezer.
​​​Other goods included 1 x extendable dining table, 4 x dining chairs, 2 x well-used, but comfortable sofas (they’ll need throws!) 2 x strollers, 6 x double beds with mattresses and 2 x dehumidifiers.
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​Apart from these items, we had quite a few requests from families asking for….. a dehumidifier, a closet, a microwave, a coffee machine, a wheelchair, a fridge, 2 x beds, a single mattress, a bunk bed, clothing for a 3-year old girl, a washing machine and a chest of drawers.
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​A request came from a family who wanted to know whether we had knowledge of an available T1 or T2 apartment…. unfortunately, we are not able to help with property. However, we do have quite a few contacts in this area who are always willing to look out for appropriate properties and that’s where we steer these requests.
We also received offers of VHS tapes and a pack of clothing for a 1.5-3 year old girl.
A huge thank you must go to Morgado Golf Club for their wonderful donation of supermarket vouchers which will be going to families who need emergency food packages or other items needed. This Golf club has been supporting us for a few years and their Captain has confirmed that AFIN will remain their chosen charity for the rest of 2025!! Such excellent news and thanks to Claire, Graham and Andrew.
We put out a request for baby clothes for a newborn and five of our wonderful supporters came back with contact details for plenty of appropriate clothes, a car seat, a safety gate, a nursing pillow, a sleeping bag and a baby's snowsuit. ​
A boost for AFIN...
27 January 2025
We are so privileged to have as a friend and supporter, Bennetts Bedrooms who are based in Loulé....
a bed specialist company with many years of experience in both Portugal and the UK. Their
specialisation ensures that, including delivery and installation, your investment will result in the
perfect product match.
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With the purchase of a new bed, upcycling to AFIN is a massive help for families in need.... we're
sure it's easy to appreciate the importance of a good night's sleep for everyone, especially those
who struggle with day-to-day expenses. On KISS-FM, Bennetts have kindly organised an ad that
fosters the idea of gifting beds to AFIN. Click on the audio link to hear the ad which appears three
times per day. ​
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Thank you..... Bennetts!
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Christmas 2024...
19 January 2025
We are in The Portugal News! Please click here for the link to the article. Each year,
AFIN is responsible for distributing Xmas Goodies to those in need, across the Algarve.
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Of course, we'd like to take the opportunity to thank all those wonderful people who
support us and volunteer and wish you all a wonderful 2025!
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Our bank account and PayPal account can both be reached for donations on this website.... please click here to go to the "Donate" page.
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