The annual De Freitas Foundation (DFF) Christmas lunch fundraiser proved to be an overwhelming success.
They filled the hall of the Nucleo de Arte e Cultura in Regent Park with over 200 guests present.
DFF Board member Jeanette de Freitas explained it took several months to prepare for this event.
“This fundraiser is our main fundraising activity so that we can undertake the work that the foundation does. It is thanks to the generous donors and sponsors that provide food and auction items for the event that ensure we raise funds for the projects the DFF undertakes,” she explained.
In his address at the fundraiser, DFF board member Manny de Freitas explained that presently the DFF is focusing on its main projects of the promotion of the Portuguese language and Portuguese culture and supporting underprivileged and poor communities.
Over 100 families, mostly of Portuguese origin, are being assisted by the DFF. This is besides the over 4 300 families that have received food hampers.
DFF food hampers on average feed a family of four for a month.
He explained since the Covid-19 lockdown, through the clothing collection and distribution project, the DFF could collect over one ton of clothes for the needy, poor, destitute, and unemployed. This does not include other donated items as bedding, curtains, and furniture that go to the needy.
In addition, the DFF supplies bread and pastries every Wednesday to seniors at the André Avelino Day Centre at Luso Africa Portuguese Club.
Other initiatives include the supply of laptops to children from two needy families. These laptops have helped children immensely with their schoolwork.
