For many of you, Cape Verde is in your hearts, in just the same way as it’s in our hearts!
Gus has been helping those in need for over 20 years on the islands of Sal, São Vicente, São Nicolau and Santo Antão. He is well respected for the charity work he has been doing through Paradise Adventures with Gus and subsequently Cape Verde in Need.
He is often asked what items are most in need and how people travelling to Sal can help, we have put a list together below. In return we will ensure we keep you up to date with pictures and news, so you can see how your generous donations are impacting lives.
- Clothing and Shoes: Most Cape Verdeans are of a slim build with feet no bigger that a UK 10. T-shirts, shorts, dresses, trainers, flip flops, shoes, socks, baby clothes – items for any age.
- Sports Items: In addition to kit / boots, deflated balls are needed – with or without a pump.
- Toys: Space is limited in homes so play is outdoors – skipping ropes / balls / Chinese skipping / dolls / teddy bears / cars / puzzles / Jenga / beach toys.
Often items are shared / played with communally, so they should be robust.
- Stationary: In addition to school supplies children love colouring, notebooks, and sticker books pens, pencils and rubbers.
- Toiletries: Everything is imported and so expensive so any basic items (soap, flannel, comb/brush, shower gel), in particular toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Homes in shanty towns are dusty and have no water or electricity – items such as water pistols are not a good idea, neither are toys that are fiddly or delicate as they get broken.
We have two seasonal campaigns that we run each year.
***January – August – our schools appeal***
• Blue and Black ball point pens
. Pencils
• A4 lined paper
• A5 lined paper
• Sharpener
• Eraser
• Pencil case
• School bag (ideally a hard-wearing rucksack that can be reused, second hand is fine) or a drawstring bag.
*** September – December – our Christmas appeal***
• Toys – games, balls, soft toys, dolls, cars, puzzles, etc
• Hygiene items – toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, flannel, comb/brush
• Clothing- T-shirts, shorts, dresses, trainers, flip flops, shoes, socks
• Drawstring bags
If you are able to donate completed bags for either appeal, this would be amazing, but any donation is appreciated.
If you would like to bring donations, we are always happy to arrange free charity luggage. (Tui UK flights only)
Alternatively, you can donate money to us through our website, the secure donation button is on our home page. Please add a line in the ‘Write a note (optional)’ box if you are donating for a specific appeal
Thank you so much for your continued support
