Fundação Sporting hold initiative at Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Lisbon

Conrad Harder and João Simões collaborated with the Fundação Sporting on Friday, for a social responsibility action at Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML). They met with families who host children at risk, whose families are unable to care for them.
 
This SCML project aims, above all, “to ensure that children in dangerous situations have a quality future," said Patrícia Bacelar, director of the SCML Reception Centre.
Sporting CP's foundation chose the institution for a visit at this time of year, as the club's Christmas motto is “There are only two families” and that of the foundation is “In the distance, we are present."

"We always have a lot of requests and this time we chose SCML, our long-time partner, taking into account this year's 'mottos' and the fact that we can be with families -in this case the host families," explained Inês Sêco, executive coordinator of Fundação Sporting, adding: “Bringing this warmth and so much hope here in this Christmas season was good for everyone."

The two players, who were accompanied by club mascot Jubas, signed autographs and posed for photos, as well as playing football, showing their skills in craftsmanship – especially painting – and giving out several gifts.
 
“It’s a special time of year and it was good to be here. It's good to give and receive that love, to show them that there are many good things in life and that we can all be happy," Conrad Harder commented.

"At Sporting CP we are one big family and it's good to share this love with everyone.”

João Simões said that “this time of year is about being with family and friends. It's worth highlighting the role of this institution, because they help children in need to grow as people and have the same opportunities that others have.”

Artur Paiva e Pona realized that he could help make this happen and two years ago he welcomed a child recommended by SCML.
 
“My wife and I started talking about these Santa Casa da Misericórdia campaigns and realized that we wanted to help a child. After a year, we received the news that we could welcome a little girl into our home. Two years have passed and it has been a great joy. It is a challenging but very comforting experience. The family has grown; now there are five of us and it's exciting. We are all Sportinguistas, and Sporting CP help with everyone's happiness at home."