Loulé will take, on the 23rd and 24th of December, “A Christmas Smile” to citizens who are in a more vulnerable situation, but also “to health professionals and others who have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 and who were the great heroes of 2020».
As part of this initiative, some local artists “will offer unique musical moments to users of the 14 social solidarity institutions in the municipality of Loulé, namely those who work with the elderly population, passing through new parishes, from Ameixial to the coastal areas of Quarteira and Almancil», according to the Câmara de Loulé, which promotes the initiative.
These shows "will take place at the doors of the establishments, without any contact between users and artists" and aim to "bring some joy and Christmas spirit to the elderly who, this year, due to the pandemic, will not be able to enjoy a moment in the family, outside institutions, as is customary for many».
«This has been the segment of the population most penalized by this public health crisis because, in addition to being the most affected by the disease, our elderly people were forced to be separated from their families during these long months. With this symbolic action, we want to alleviate this feeling of sadness and give them some encouragement for the coming year», according to the Loulé municipal executive.
At the same time,« in a gesture of recognition for the work carried out by those who have been at the forefront in the fight against the virus, the Municipality of Loulé will offer a Christmas dinner to the municipality's health professionals, firefighters and elements of the municipal civil protection that are working on Christmas Eve”.
These actions, more oriented to specific segments of the population, join others already in progress, such as the distribution of Christmas baskets «to 2500 families in the municipality who are in a disadvantaged and socially vulnerable situation, providing those who need it most. A decent Christmas night, with a table where codfish, olive oil, chickpeas, beans, bolo-rei and other food items will not be lacking».
«This is an investment of 75 thousand euros, of great social importance in the municipality, as it allows support for citizens who, due to the most diverse circumstances of life, are experiencing difficulties. An action that gains even greater relevance in a year marked by the pandemic that led to a socioeconomic crisis and to many people having lost their jobs», according to Câmara de Loulé.
“In this festive season, we want to be at the side of people, especially the most vulnerable, so that they feel cherished and supported, and to bring a message of solidarity and hope to our fellow citizens. We believe that 2021 will be a turning point in this pandemic crisis that has hit us and that, little by little, we will reach normality again», reinforces, for his part, the mayor of Loulé.
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