On March 29th, Agora Aveiro volunteers kicked off another edition of the “Projeto Au-Au” (“Woof-Woof Project”) with a visit to the Vagos Equestrian Center, one of the branches of Patudos de Vagos Association. During this action, they had the chance to interact with rescued dogs, as well as horses, goats, ponies, and mares living at the center. In addition to the love and attention given to the animals, volunteers helped clean the space, improving the shelter’s conditions for its four-legged residents. This time, the action was limited to members of the association and volunteers from our new “Volunteer Bank”, but next time, anyone will be able to join. Those interested should keep an eye on our social media, where the next date will be announced.

The “Projeto Au-Au” goes far beyond shelter visits. Aware of the difficulties these institutions face in feeding and caring for their animals, Agora Aveiro is organizing a major donation drive. From May 5th to 15th, schools in the city of Aveiro will have drop-off points for pet food, blankets, toys, and hygiene products. At the University of Aveiro, the drive will run from June 2nd to 12th, with a presence on June 13th and 14th during UA Day celebrations. Every donation helps improve the animals’ well-being.

At the same time, we’ve partnered with Kaizen Pet Food Providers with an ambitious goal: to collect over five tons of pet food to distribute to eight animal welfare associations partnered with the project. On Kaizen’s online store – https://www.kaizen.pet/loja/ – you can add dog or cat food (marked as “donation”), and at checkout, select the association you wish to support with your donation. Each purchase means more help for those who need it most.

The “Projeto Au-Au” is part of Agora Aveiro’s “Random Acts of Kindness” project. It has Kaizen Pet Food Providers as the “Main Partner” and Biobom as the “Silver Partner”. Partners include the University of Aveiro and the associations AFECTU - Associação De Felinos E Caninos Todos Unidos, AMA - Amigos do Abrigo Quintã do Loureiro, Gaticão - Associação dos Amigos dos Animais Abandonados, Patudos Vagos, A4 - Associação dos Amigos dos Animais de Águeda, ALMA - Associação Lutadora pelos Melhores Amigos da Gafanha, Patinhas sem Lar and Ani-São João - Associação dos Amigos dos Animais de São João da Madeira,  as well as the Agrupamento de Escolas Mário Sacramento, Agrupamento de Escolas de Aveiro and Agrupamento de Escolas Rio Novo do Príncipe. It is supported by the Aveiro City Hall and the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ - Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude I.P.).