Between 5 May and 12 June, Agora Aveiro organised a large-scale “Goods & Food Collection” as part of the “Projeto Au-Au” (“Woof-Woof Project”). Through this project, we aim to raise awareness about the issue of animal abandonment, highlighting the importance of responsible adoption. At the same time, we seek to support animal welfare associations through the collection of goods and food.

The campaign began with the collection phase, which took place from 5 to 15 May in various schools across the city of Aveiro, including Escola Básica de Aradas, Centro Escolar de Santiago, Escola Básica João Afonso, Escola Secundária Dr. Mário Sacramento, Escola Básica da Vera Cruz and Escola Básica do Rio Novo do Príncipe. This generosity extended to other places as well, such as Patinhas no Recreio, a centre dedicated to the care and well-being of animals.

The second phase of the campaign took place at the University of Aveiro, between 2 and 12 June. Students, lecturers and staff joined forces in a major collective effort, showing that compassion knows no age or boundary. Agora Aveiro volunteers were also present at the UA Day celebrations on 14 June, symbolically closing this solidarity-driven journey.

Among the various items collected, the campaign gathered a total of 509 kg of goods and food, including dog and cat food, medical and cleaning products, toys, bowls, blankets and much more. Each donated item represents comfort, hope and dignity for the animals taken in by associations such as “Patinhas sem Lar”, an animal protection organisation in Espinho which, despite limited resources, continues to work wonders for those without a voice.

This collection followed a series of activities carried out under the same project. On 10 May, a sunny Saturday filled with excitement, Agora Aveiro brought together its members and volunteers from the newly created “Volunteer Bank” to support AMA – Amigos do Abrigo Quintã do Loureiro, promoting a community event open to the public. The goal? To showcase the tireless work of this association and bring citizens closer to the animals that so desperately need affection and a new home. The initiative welcomed 30 dogs and 15 “dog-walkers” in a relaxed, cheerful morning full of shared moments.

“Projeto Au-Au” is part of Agora Aveiro’s “Random Acts of Kindness” project. It has Kaizen Pet Food Providers as its “Main Partner”, the University of Aveiro as its “Golden Partner”, and Biobom and Patinhas no Recreio as “Silver Partners”. The project is carried out in partnership with Patinhas sem Lar and the school clusters of Aveiro, Dr. Mário Sacramento, José Estêvão and Rio Novo do Príncipe. It is also supported by the Municipality of Aveiro and the IPDJ – Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth.