Dona Ajuda: Donations, commitment and community
Dona Ajuda - The social store in the heart of Lisbon
Lisbon has a special social initiative that combines sustainability, solidarity and culture: Dona Ajuda. This article shows you how Dona Ajuda works, how you can help – with donations in kind, money or voluntary work – and where to find it. Ideal if you live in Lisbon or want to settle here and are looking for local opportunities to get involved.
What is Dona Ajuda?
Dona Ajuda is a social institution in Lisbon that emerged from the Boa Vizinhança project. It operates in three key areas: social, ecological/environmental and cultural. Its guiding principle is: ‘Ligamos quem precisa de ajuda a quem pode ajudar’ – in other words, we connect those who need help with those who can help.
This is done, on the one hand, through the Loja Social (social shop) in the former Mercado do Rato, where donated items are sold to generate funds and provide goods to people on low incomes.
In addition, Dona Ajuda runs an environmental and cultural centre that provides space for artistic projects, workshops, readings and meetings.
In short, Dona Ajuda is not just a donation collection point, but a lively socio-cultural meeting place with a strong focus on sustainability and community.
Information about donations in kind
Dona Ajuda accepts a wide range of donations in kind – provided they are in good condition.
For example, the following items are accepted:
Clothing (for women, men, children)
Shoes, bags, accessories
Books (including non-Portuguese), CDs, DVDs, records
Household items, decorations, small electrical appliances
Toys, children's items
If a donation is not saleable upon arrival, it will either be given directly to those in need or, if irreparable, forwarded for recycling.
Donations are usually accepted Thursday to Sunday between 11:00 and 19:00.
For larger items, you can check with Dona Ajuda to see if they can collect the donation.
Community service and voluntary work
Volunteering is an essential part of Dona Ajuda's operations. As a volunteer, you can help with tasks such as:
Sorting and triaging donations of goods
Looking after the store areas / advising customers in the social shop
Participating in cultural projects (e.g. workshops, readings, exhibitions)
Helping to organise events and markets (e.g. DA Mercado Aberto)
Participation in the choir project ‘Dona Ajuda Canta’, which organises regular weekly meetings
Support for logistical processes, communication or public relations
If you are interested, please contact us via email at voluntarios@donaajuda.pt or via the contact form on the Dona-Ajuda-Website.
Address, directions and opening hours
Address: Rua Alexandre Herculano 64, Antigo Mercado do Rato, 1250-012 Lisboa
Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 until 19:00 Uhr (with the exception of, for example, Sundays except for the last Sunday of the month)
Phone: +351 965 461 901
Accessibility by public transport:
Bus lines: 711, 720, 723, 727, 736, 738, 753, 760
Metro: Yellow line to Rato station, then a short walkLocation: In the former Mercado do Rato, centrally located in the Santo António district / near the ‘Rato’ junction.
Are you planning to move to Lisbon? We can help you with administrative procedures and finding accommodation, as well as giving you tips on sports, leisure activities and integration.