Moving to Porto isn’t just about tasting Port wine and admiring “azulejos” – it’s also a chance to connect with the community in meaningful ways. Volunteering is a great way for expats to meet locals, practice Portuguese, and make a difference. Whether you’re here short-term or settling in, here are some accessible and rewarding opportunities:
- Food Collection
- Refood – One of the most popular and welcoming volunteer initiatives in the city, Refood Porto collects surplus food from restaurants and supermarkets to redistribute to people in need. You can help with food collection, packaging, or delivery – and English is totally fine!
- Banco Alimentar – Every year, “Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome” runs large food drives – especially around Christmas. Volunteers sort and organize donated food, helping families in need during the holidays. It’s a rewarding group activity embedded in the festive spirit.
- Support for Homeless / Elderly
- Serve the City organizes volunteer events that support the homeless, elderly, and underserved communities – ideal for English speakers and newcomers.
- Associação Cuidadores supports informal caregivers – offering what they call “Pausas Breves” (short breaks) by matching volunteers to give respite and companionship to those caring for a family member.
- Animal Shelters – If you’re an animal lover, several shelters around Porto welcome help walking dogs, feeding cats, or giving affection. Two big impactful ones are:
- Animais de Rua – Focuses on neutering, medical aid, and caring for stray animals. You can be a part of the whole process by helping to catch the animals and then after sterilisation return them back to their place.
- CROA (Centro de Recolha Oficial de Animais do Porto) – Porto’s official municipal animal shelter, where volunteers help care for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. There are also local CROAs, e.g. CROAM in Matosinhos, where you can be also of a help.
- Beach Cleaning – Keep Porto beautiful! Join for example an expat group Porto Beach Cleanup, or Cleaning Beaches 4 Cleaner Oceans organizing regular beach clean-ups, mostly around Matosinhos and Foz. These are informal, social, and eco-friendly ways to meet people.
