This Weekend; Brazilian Bake Sale in Portlaoise

The Laois Brazilian Support Association (LABRAS) will be holding a bake sale on Saturday the 25th of May. This event will take place over two sessions- at the Portlaoise Parish Centre from 9am-11am, and then at St. Mary's Hall from 6pm onwards. There will be a wide range of Brazilian foods and baked goods available.

The event is ran in conjunction with Brazilian Catholics and Portlaoise Punters. 

The aim of this fundraiser is to support victims of flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, a state in southern Brazil.

As of today, the floods have forced the evacuation of over 640,000 people in the area, including 65,000 who are sheltering in local schools. The death toll in Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 161.

"It's been very sad watching this situation unfold," said LABRAS's Cássia O'Neill. "But it's amazing to see the Brazilian community here come together as individual volunteers".

"People are being so generous, we have roughly ten volunteers making typical homecooked food for the event," she said.  

"In this time of adversity, it is essential that we join forces and offer our support to those who are facing difficulties," LABRAS shared on Facebook.

"[This event] will be an opportunity for us to come together as a community, share stories and most importantly, raise funds to help those who have been affected by the floods.

At this event we will have sales of savory snacks and various cakes made by volunteers from the local community. All funds raised will be donated to projects aimed at flood victims.

Everyone is welcome, so bring your family, friends and neighbors! Together, we can make a difference and offer hope to people who need it. We count on your presence and support. See you there!"