Who remembers our very first fundraiser back in 2021?

Back when Madeira Friends was mostly about burpees, workouts, and bringing people together through movement… can you guess who we supported first?

Ajuda a Alimentar a Cães (AAAC).

At the time, we set what felt like an impossible goal: €1,000 in a month. We weren’t sure if we could reach it but the community surprised us. The target was met within the first week. That was the moment we realised something truly special was happening within this community.

Since then, our connection with AAAC has remained strong. In 2024, we collected food donations for them at Christmas, and over the years we’ve continued to follow their work closely. The dedication they show every single day, giving a voice to animals in need, is deeply admired by both locals and internationals alike.

Of course, there are many associations on the island doing incredible work. If we had eight arms, trust us, we would support them all. But sometimes a connection forms early on, and it stays with you. Perhaps it’s the transparency of their work, the stories they share online, or the resilience they show when facing challenges. In many ways, we see something familiar in their mission, that quiet determination to keep going, no matter the day, hour, or difficulty, simply because it is the right thing to do.

Many may remember when AAAC were close to losing their shelter. With the support of the community, locals, and their strong online presence, they were able to secure and purchase the space - a milestone they truly deserved.

When we asked why they don’t simply move to a much larger space, the answer was thoughtful: a bigger shelter often leads to more animals being abandoned there. Their focus is on rehabilitation and adoption, ensuring each animal receives the care they need before finding a loving home, so space becomes available to help the next one.

We had the opportunity to visit the shelter — a welcoming, clean, and carefully maintained space (with its signature pink touch). During our visit, volunteers were continuously cleaning spaces, washing blankets, filling bowls, and walking the dogs. Every detail showed the level of care given to each animal.

We also met Junior, a dog whose story touched hearts across the country after severe mistreatment that even reached national news. Despite everything he has been through, Junior greeted us with warmth and affection that could melt anyone’s heart — yes, even the Grinch. Junior would thrive in a calm home with a family who can give him the stability and presence he deserves.

Each animal there has their own story. One dog still walks in circles — a behaviour developed after spending years confined in a cage. Among the cats, we met one who was preparing for a veterinary visit to remove stitches after surgery related to cancerous ears. We also saw kittens, and learned that when the shelter reaches capacity, some animals are temporarily cared for in volunteers’ homes — including a recent litter of eight puppies currently being looked after by the founder.

What stood out most was the connection between volunteers and animals. You could see it in the way they spoke to them, comforted them, and showed affection. It is clear that this work is not just responsibility — it is love.

On the top floor, blankets were being washed and prepared for reuse. Every corner of the shelter reflects continuous effort and dedication.

At one moment during the visit, Marelin simply said:

“Thank goodness you exist.”

And truly — what would the island be without the work of associations like AAAC?

How we can help

Shelters like AAAC continuously need support to cover:

• food supplies

• veterinary costs

• cleaning materials

• operational expenses

• volunteer support to walk and care for the animals

We will be organising moments where members of the community can help walk the dogs, giving volunteers time to focus on cleaning and preparing spaces for the next animals in need.

If you would like to help, please WhatsApp Marelin on +351 961 015 850.

Every small action contributes to a better quality of life for these animals and brings them one step closer to finding a loving home.

Final reflection

Our community started with workouts, but quickly became something much bigger. It became about showing up when it matters. AAAC reminds us that meaningful impact often happens quietly, consistently, and with care. And sometimes, simply being present already makes a difference.