Devastation of the Fires

This summer, hundreds of fires destroyed thousands of hectares across Portuguese territory. Last weekend was particularly devastating, with 500 fires. Stretched beyond their limits, the firefighters could not reach Benfeite or the villages nearby when the fire struck.

In this fire more than 30 families lost their homes, among them Natasha and Seb, who recently came from the United Kingdom with their two small children, hoping to create a life in communion with nature. It is particularly tragic because the couple had just built their house and brought all their possessions. Now they are homeless.

Equally devastating is the situation of their neighbor, a single mother of three, who has been struggling relentlessly to give her children a normal life in the face of great financial difficulty. Another elderly couple nearby also lost everything they had.

This great tragedy has united the community like nothing else could, and those whose homes survived have been generous, offering food, clothing and shelter to the victims. No one has been neglected. But what people need most at the moment is to rebuild their homes and their lives. Some have insurance, but many do not, among them Natasha and Seb.

If you would like to help them, and their community, as well as many others affected by the fires, please send your donation to:

Amurt Portugal

Caixa Geral de Depositos

NIB: 0035 0099 00045074431 41

IBAN: PT50003521680002065793096

BIC/SWIFT: CGDIPTPL

Any help is valuable, however modest. It shows that there are people who care, and knowing that there are people who care inspires those affected more than anything else.

And of course if you want to help us raise funds, please contact us.

With our thanks,

Malati