Greener Christmas Initiative
Turn What you Have into What Someone Else needs.
The initiative directly benefited two Madeira-based organisations: Centro da Mãe, which provides shelter and resources to pregnant women in vulnerable situations, and Associação Apoio a Crianças e Jovens, focused on assisting at-risk children and youth.
At Centro da Mãe, weekly volunteer sessions addressed challenges faced by the center. Volunteers worked to sort and organize items for the social store, ensuring it was ready to serve families before Christmas. Over three weeks, 70 donated items were also donated and made available to mothers and children. The experience left a lasting impression on volunteers, who plan to continue supporting the center through regular activities. Future efforts will include tree planting and beach cleanups, integrating the center’s members into broader community initiatives.
Associação Apoio a Crianças e Jovens also benefited, receiving over 30 toys. These will be distributed to children at Escola Básica do 1° Ciclo com Pré-Escolar da Ladeira. Beyond providing material support, Greener Act is partnering with the association to organize educational activities and creative workshops in schools, fostering early awareness of sustainability and community care.
Jacafé, a local business and key partner in the initiative, served as the primary drop-off point for donations. Its central location and strong track record of supporting community causes made it a valuable collaborator.
“These Christmas initiatives remind us of the power of coming together, but they should be just the beginning. We aim to have lasting relationships with these organizations and expand our impact,” said Liliana Gonçalves from Greener Act.
Volunteers found the experience rewarding. “Volunteering at Centro da Mãe was truly heartwarming. Sorting baby clothes and organizing the social store alongside the center’s team and other volunteers highlighted how important these donations are for families in need. It was great to be part of such a collaborative, impactful initiative,” shared Donald Krol from the Netherlands.
Joi Sheppard-Mull from the USA, who retired to Madeira with her husband, reflected on her experience: “When my husband and I decided to retire and move to Madeira, one of the things that was a must for us was to fully immerse ourselves into the community and culture. Volunteering through Centro da Mãe, where we help provide essential items, brings me joy to make a difference, even in small ways, and support the community we deeply cherish. If I have a small part in making it possible for one mother or child to have a better day, that is the reward. Giving back to the community is so important, and this is one small way I can do that.”
The success of ‘Greener Christmas’ underscores Madeira’s strong culture of generosity and collective action.
