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Charities We all remember the tragedy that befell Teresopolis in January of 2011. Floods destroyed homes, tore families apart and people were distraught. The Saint Andrew Society (SAS) made six R$500 donations to try to restore some happiness to a few of the affected people. Mr. Anael, a builder in Teresopolis, lost 5 grandchildren to the tragedy. He also lost his mother- in-law, two homes, a car, and all of the tools he used to work with. It was six months before he received any money from the government, but now has received financial aid to help pay the rent. The money donated to him by the SAS went towards a brand new mattress. There was even money left over: R$100 for groceries. A brave 14-year-old girl, Paloma, was dragged 3km by the heavy rains when her home was destroyed. She lost her mother and two sisters. The only other survivor of her family is her step-father, who has been in the hospital for months with both legs broken so badly that the doctors had originally thought they may have to amputate, although that is now out of the question. Paloma has been taken in by Raquel, who is building a room for her and has paid privately for medical attention and counseling, all on a seamstress’ salary. The SAS donation is helping with the construction of Paloma’s room. Joelma had just enough time to grab her baby before the floods swept everything she owned away. However, since the home she lived in was rented, she has been denied financial aid from the government. The SAS donation was thus a huge help to her and was received gratefully. Perhaps you know Valerio, one of the barmen at Teresopolis golf club. Valerio, like Joelma, lived in rented accommodation and has also been denied financial aid from the government. The donation from the SAS was greatly appreciated and has gone towards two new mattresses. Marcos, another member of the Teresopolis golf club staff, lost his home. He is now rebuilding it using funds from the SAS donation. Next door to his old home lived his sister and brother- and-law, who were both killed. They were found in each other’s arms. Although the last donation didn’t go to anyone who was affected by the floods, it did go to a husband and wife who have made their mark on society by taking in six foster children at a time, all of which have parents with difficulties, such as drug addiction. The SAS donation is helping them with their noble work with children in need. None of the financial support given by the SAS could have been carried out without the help of the SAS members who went to the functions and fund raisers. The SAS would like to express a huge thank you to all who helped in this time of need.
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