Whilst the ARC+ fleet were in the Cape Verdes, the crews of three of the boats went to visit the SOS Children's Villages charity in Mindelo. The charity does fantastic work helping children off and on the streets and supporting challenged families. The captain of yacht Helen, Philip Scott took along ARC Mascot Ed the Iguana to the centre. Having taken part in the ARC+ for the last few years, Ed has become very fond of the children in the Cape Verde Islands and a firm supporter of the work done by SOS Children's Village Mindelo. They met two boys who were orphaned and were living at the center and asked why they had volunteered to stay: " Bad things happen on the street" and "I get education, food and a bed"
Following the visit, Philip and Ed have decided to use the 2017 trip as an opportunity to raise funds for this excellent facility and help them to continue to assist when poverty and difficult life situations mean that many parents cannot care for their children adequately and children end up on the streets and out of education.
"The sailors in the ARC+ and the ARC are very lucky to be having an adventure of their lifetime. These kids need help from them and their supporters." says Philip.
Find out more about SOS Children's Village Mindelo and their Family Strengthening Programme click on the links below:
https://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/cape-verde/https://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sos-projects/family-strengthening-programmes/