Following the highly successful Caravela Portuguese Festival, held at the Case dos Poveiros in Dayanglen in June, Hospice East Rand and Boksburg SPCA each received a R30 000 donation, on July 7.
While thousands of revellers flocked to the three-day festival, hosted by the Portuguese Forum of South Africa, to enjoy live performances by some of the country’s top artists, including Prime Circle and Jesse Clegg, as well as indulging in traditional delicacies, national chairman Manny Ferreirinha said the true success of the event can be measured in the manner in which the forum can now assist the community.
“The festival ticked all the boxes. It brought world-class entertainment to Boksburg and it gave the Portuguese community the opportunity to share our rich culture with all the other vibrant communities around us,” said Ferreirinha.
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“Most importantly, it brought all of us together in raising funds for two organisations that do so much for those in need.
“Caring for a terminally ill patient is not easy however the Hospice East Rand team does it with grace and compassion.
“Stepping in to save the life of a defenceless animal requires the strongest of human will and for this we thank every member of these organisations.”
Overwhelmed by the generous donation, Lethiwe Mgudlwa, intake officer at Hospice East Rand, thanked representatives of the forum.
“We are committed to our patients and their care but acknowledgement like this help our flames burn brighter,” she said.
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Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore was also delighted, stating that such generous donations are rare this time of the year.
“It’s a lovely surprise. We are going to use the money to maintain the animal kennels while continuing to curb animal cruelty.”
