Brava: Red Cross users enjoy moments of fraternization

Today, the Red Cross council brought together around 37 elderly and disabled people at the institution's Day Center in Nova Sintra, to provide them with moments of fraternization and sharing this Christmas season.

Speaking to Inforpress, Sónia Coelho, president of the local council, stressed that this is a time of sharing, love, fraternization and unity, noting that it is customary for the Red Cross to gather its users every year, whether those who attend the Day Center on a daily basis, as well as those who receive support and hot meals in their homes.

On this day, he underlined that users had the opportunity to remember some moments lived in previous years, where they regretted the absence of other colleagues who are no longer among them, but also "took the opportunity to thank them for the gift of life".

According to the same source, 15 people receive daily at the Day Centre, but in all, there are 35 people who have been supporting, with the rest receiving their hot meals at home, daily, and other types of necessary support.

As for the difficulties faced, Sónia Coelho pointed out the prejudice and taboo existing within society, which means that there are often people with elderly and disabled people at home who need support, but do not reach the Red Cross because they share the idea that this institution is “one of the poorest”.

Therefore, he took this opportunity to ask society to take care of the elderly and the disabled, encouraging family members to seek support without prejudice and preconceived ideas, reinforcing that in this institution they support in every way as long as it is within reach.

Especially because, he informed that the Red Cross of Brava has been receiving various supports from different entities and local, national and international institutions, and its mission is to support those in need, as long as it is sought or accepted by family members.

He took the opportunity to thank all those who supported the institution in 2022, especially those who did everything to make today “be the best”, namely, Gabriel Macedo, Brava City Council and the José Luís Solidário Association.

Today was marked by a convivial lunch, various activities and at the end each participant received a basic basket to spend their Christmas party.