The last year has been a memorable year for Silves Rotary Club. We worked hard under our President Isabel Flores to help the community and to complete as many fundraising activities as possible. We started our year with the Back to school project closely followed by the completion of our walk to Santiago de Compostela raising 12,000€ for a sensory room and garden in Armaçao de Pêra School. With 10 primary school classes following us we could not fail. So much for them and us to learn.

On the run up to Christmas we worked closely with the Junta de Freguesia de Armação de Pêra and Classic Car Club of Barlavento to raise money to feed families in need over Christmas and the new year with a raffle and a Christmas swim. Not to forget our contribution to the Castelo de Sonhos Christmas Shoe box appeal. In the Spring our concert raised 3000€.

Alan stood in for Isabel Flores and handed over to Rainer Kroth for the year 2023/24.

Rainer is shouldering the president’s job for the first time. Continuing our work in proven activities his vision for 2023-2024 is adding a new focus on Environmental Protection. Our club wants to contribute to the restoration of biodiversity for example by planting trees or even small forests working with experts in the field of ecology and environmental education.

The club will also continue to develop and consolidate our Educational Projects which provide children and young adults with opportunities to expand their horizons. Silves Rotary Club never forgets the less advantaged in our community and will continue to support them through these difficult times. We look forward to promoting fellowship through a wide range of activities and events.  We will be producing our concerts again this year as well as our small intimate events whilst working to widen Silves Rotary Club’s network of friends.

Rainer started by pinning a new member Albrecht Marquis and taking part in our flag ceremony with Assistant Governor Fatima Guerreiro and Pascal Martin and exchanging flags with Benedikt Marijnen.

We were joined by many guests from other Rotary Clubs Lagoa, Almancil, Faro, Portimao and Olhao:-

Albrecht, Sofia Fráguas, Rainer, Nicole Lanier, Franco Pasotto, Otelo Cabrita

José Manuel Sosa, District Member Engagement Chair, Rainer and Marion Kitzman RC Silves Secretary