On Saturday morning, our community joined Centro da Mãe and Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome da Madeira at Pingo Doce Plaza Madeira, to help collect food donations for families and individuals across the island.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple activity: stand at the entrance, hand out donation bags, and collect food. But it quickly became so much more than that. One thing that surprised many of our volunteers was how many people already knew about Banco Alimentar and the incredible work they do. Many shoppers took a donation bag almost immediately, often before we had the chance to explain the initiative. It was a beautiful reminder that Madeira is full of people who genuinely care about helping others.

The first few minutes can feel a little strange. You're standing there with a stack of bags, wondering how the morning will go.

Then someone takes a bag.

Then another.

Then another.

Before you know it, donations are arriving faster than expected, conversations are flowing, and time flies. By the end of the morning, three full trolleys and multiple boxes had been filled with food donations. But what stood out most wasn't just what was collected. It was the atmosphere.

Our volunteers spent the morning chatting with locals, practising Portuguese, and at the same time, many Madeirans happily switched to English and practised with members of our international community. It became a wonderful cultural exchange where everyone was learning from one another while supporting an important cause.

As Jessica, who was volunteering at a food collection for the very first time, shared:

"It's nice to interact with the community and for a good reason, to support the people of Madeira."

João Adriano felt the same. "It was really nice! I loved to see how supportive people are here."

The younger volunteers also got involved, helping where they could and learning first-hand what it means to give back. Watching children participate in community initiatives is always special because it shows that kindness and volunteering can start at any age.

One of our favourite moments came when a member of the Pingo Doce team looked at our group and said: "You are a happy bunch." And honestly, how could we not be?

The morning also created new connections between volunteers. Marelin had the opportunity to meet students, parents and teachers from Francisco Franco high school who were also participating in the collection and, of course, invited them to join the Madeira Friends community with open arms.

Many people don't realise the scale of the work carried out by Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome da Madeira. Every month, the organisation supports around 9,000 families and individuals through a network of more than 30 social solidarity institutions across the region.

Behind every packet of pasta, tin of beans, and bottle of olive oil is a family that may need that support.

A huge thank you to Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome da Madeira, Centro da Mãe, Pingo Doce, every shopper who donated, and every volunteer who gave up part of their weekend to help.

Three full trolleys of food is an incredible result.

But the conversations, the laughter, the language exchanges, the new friendships, and the feeling of community might just have been our favourite part of the day.

And that's what Madeira Friends is all about. 💛