Dona Ajuda in Lisbon: Donations, Volunteering & Community

In Lisbon, there is a unique social initiative that combines sustainability, solidarity, and culture: Dona Ajuda.
This article explains how Dona Ajuda works, how you can contribute—through material donations, financial support, or volunteering—and where to find it. Perfect for anyone living in Lisbon or planning to move here who wants to connect with local community projects.

What is Dona Ajuda?

Dona Ajuda is a social institution in Lisbon that grew out of the “Boa Vizinhança” project. It operates in three key areas: social, environmental, and cultural. Its guiding principle is: “Ligamos quem precisa de ajuda a quem pode ajudar” – which means: We connect those who need help with those who can help.

One of its main pillars is the Loja Social (Social Shop) located in the former Mercado do Rato, where donated goods are sold to generate funds and provide affordable items for people with low incomes.

In addition, Dona Ajuda runs an Environmental & Cultural Center that offers space for artistic projects, workshops, readings, and community gatherings.

In short: Dona Ajuda is not just a donation drop-off point, but a vibrant socio-cultural hub focused on sustainability and community.

Information on material donations

Dona Ajuda accepts a wide variety of material donations—provided they are in good condition.

For example, they welcome:

Clothing (for women, men, and children)
Shoes, bags, accessories
Books (including non-Portuguese), CDs, DVDs, vinyl records
Household items, decorations, small electronics
Toys and children’s items

If a donation cannot be sold upon arrival, it is either given directly to people in need or, if irreparable, sent for recycling.

Donations are usually accepted Thursday to Sunday between 11:00 and 19:00.

For larger items, you can coordinate with Dona Ajuda to arrange a possible pick-up.

Information on volunteering and charitable work

Volunteering is an essential part of Dona Ajuda’s operations. As a volunteer, you can help with:

Sorting and triaging donated goods
Assisting on the shop floor / customer service in the Social Shop
Supporting cultural projects (such as workshops, readings, exhibitions)
Helping organize events and markets (e.g., DA Mercado Aberto)
Joining the choir project “Dona Ajuda Canta,” which meets weekly
Supporting logistics, communications, or public relations

If you are interested, contact voluntarios@donaajuda.pt or use the contact form on the Dona-Ajuda-Webseite.

Address, directions and opening hours

Adress: Rua Alexandre Herculano 64, Antigo Mercado do Rato, 1250-012 Lisboa
Opening hours: täglich von 11:00 bis 19:00 Uhr (mit Ausnahme – z. B. Sonntage außer dem letzten Sonntag des Monats)
Phone: +351 965 461 901
Public Transport
Bus lines: 711, 720, 723, 727, 736, 738, 753, 760
Metro: Yellow Line to Rato station, then a short walk
Lage: Inside the former Mercado do Rato, centrally located in the Santo António district near the “Rato” hub.

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