Another festive initiative of ‘Apadrinhe this Christmas’ begins this week, in Santa Cruz. The project is part of the Municipality CPCJ (Commission for the Protection of Children and Youths), Santa Cruz Parish Councils, and the Caniço Solidarity Store.
Running since 2018, the ‘Apadrinhe this Christmas’ has brought together dozens of ‘godparents’ for a Common Cause: to bring festive cheer to several children who are monitored by the CPCJ, with special attention to those who come from families suffering severe financial difficulties.
Talking about their initiative, a spokesperson for the cause said:
“For the organisation of this project, it is certain that the Christmas season brings with it a unique “magic, but unfortunately, there are those children who receive nothing at Christmas and this is where the ‘Apadrinhe this Christmas’ can make a difference.” The spokesperson went on to say that over the years the increase in the number of ‘godparents’ has risen significantly and because of this and the stigma children suffer in being left out at such an important time encourages them to ask people to reach out and help these children.
The entire process of selecting children and young people, as well as the direct delivery of gifts, is made by case managers who already monitor households, so confidentiality and anonymity on all sides is safeguarded.
For all those interested, you can obtain further information by contacting the Santa Cruz CPCJ at 291 520 117 or 910 235 443. You can also contact the parish councils of the Municipality or the Solidarity Store of Caniço, through their social networks.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
