Volunteer! It’s a Gift for the Community

Charity Kuahiwinui

Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community while making a meaningful impact. Whether you want to give back to the place and people that have embraced you, improve your Portuguese language skills in a supportive environment, or simply make a difference, volunteering is a rewarding way to become more involved in the local area.
In Caldas da Rainha and its surroundings, several organizations welcome volunteers for a wide range of social services.

Local Service Associations
Oeste International Community Volunteers is dedicated to helping foreigners integrate into local society and institutions. They sponsor dinners and scholarships and work with community organizations and local government agencies. Learn more by connecting with them at oesteinternationalcommunityvolunteers on Facebook.
The Associação MVC – Movimento Viver o Concelho was created to encourage bonds between the migrant community and local Portuguese citizens. MVC focuses on organizing community events, facilitating major home improvements for those in need, providing pantry resources, and distributing household items. Learn more about them at their Facebook page AssociacaoMVCMovimentoViveroConcelho.
The Milky Angels formed with the goal to fundraise money to provide children with milk and breakfast cereal before school. They organize several large and small events every year. You can learn more about them on their Facebook page, TheMilkyAngels.
Ordem do Trevo has a mission to help and they do that by helping the community with food security, fundraising for various causes, and providing fun and well-appreciated gifts for the children of the area. Learn more about donating or volunteering with them on their website at www.ordemdotrevo.com.
The Rotary Club serves to improve the living conditions of people in the area both in public and private life. You can learn more about them at www.rotaryclubcaldasdarainha.org.

Animal Welfare Associations
CRAPAA: This animal rescue and care organization focuses on rehoming abandoned animals. They operate daily and welcome volunteers for tasks such as animal care, cleaning, and support for adoption events. Location: Caldas da Rainha. To volunteer, contact them directly on Facebook, search for CRAPAA.
Rede Leonardo: Another animal welfare organization, Rede Leonardo focuses on rescuing and caring for neglected animals. Volunteers can help with fundraising, animal care, or administrative support. Location: just outside Caldas da Rainha. For more information, visit their website at www.redeleonardo.pt.

Environmental Associations
Ágora is an environmentally focused association with a mission to increase environmental awareness and to help the people in our community to deal with climate changes. Learn more about their organization and volunteer at www.agora-aa.pt.
Associação PATO was founded for the preservation and ecological recovery of Paul de Tornada, a wetlands area. Seeking allies from the local population and raising awareness for environmental concerns are some of their primary goals. You can learn more about them at www.associacao-pato.org.

Food Security Associations
Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome: This food bank helps fight hunger and food insecurity in the region. They operate year-round, collecting and distributing food to those in need. Volunteers can assist in food collection drives at local shops and with distribution. Location: Near Caldas train station. To volunteer, visit their website at www.bancoalimentar.pt.
Refood: Focused on combating food waste and hunger, Refood rescues surplus food and redistributes it to those in need. Volunteers can help collect food from local businesses or assist with packaging and distribution. Contact them via their website at www.re-food.org to get involved.

Social Welfare Associations
The goal of Coração com Vida is to help combat feelings of isolation and for the prevention of suicide and domestic violence. Find out how to contribute on their Facebook page, CoracaocomVida.
Olha-Te provides support for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Their mission is to give life to people who are sick by keeping them active and restoring the enthusiasm necessary for a sustainable, physically and emotionally stable life and to feel supported while they recover. The best way to connect is their Facebook page, facebook.com/olhate.
Viagem de Volta is an association that seeks to help those struggling with addiction find therapeutic interventions and occupational activities that allow the individual to improve their self-esteem, gain coping skills, and resume healthy habits. Learn more about volunteering with them at www.viagemdevolta.pt/voluntariado.
These organizations and others provide a wide range of opportunities to make a difference. Volunteering is not just about giving back, but about becoming an integral part of your community, meeting new people, and creating lasting memories in your adopted home. ■