At Católica's Solidarity Christmas Market "volunteering goes beyond what is done on site"

"The importance of free and responsible activities such as that of the volunteer cannot be underestimated." These were the words of the Vice-Rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, José Manuel Pereira de Almeida, at the Solidarity Christmas Market. Held at the UCP headquarters, this event also marked International Volunteer Day, celebrated on December 5.

The Christmas Market brought together 17 institutions that support various causes, from people in situations of social vulnerability to animals, to the environment, among others, for a solidarity Christmas gift sale.

This market "is a platform to raise funds for the partner institutions of the VIDA Project - Volunteering at Católica", explained Sofia Mendonça, responsible for the initiative. "Universidade Católica Portuguesa is committed to volunteering", she added, noting: "we currently have 375 students enrolled in this first year of the VIDA Project's launch, of which about 60 are already integrated in social solidarity institutions".

One of them is the Associação Santa Teresa de Jesus - Dignidade e Desenvolvimento, which supports people in the social neighbourhoods of Quinta das Fonsecas and Calçada and Bairro do Rego. "It is a great joy to be starting a partnership with Universidade Católica Portuguesa, which is offering us volunteers to work with children from social neighbourhoods," said Júlia Barroso, representative of the association. "Participating in the Christmas market was an opportunity to talk about our association and the various projects," she added.

About the importance of the initiative, Joana Almeida, a student of CATÓLICA-LISBON and volunteer of the VIDA Project, said: "Volunteering goes beyond what is done on-site, it's also about fundraising and spreading the word. If we weren't here, many people wouldn't know that these institutions need help."

This was "the first of many editions of the Solidarity Christmas Market", guaranteed Sofia Mendonça. An event organized "in the hope of a more just and fraternal world," as stated by Vice-Rector José Manuel Pereira de Almeida.

Related News

Responsabilidade Social
16 Católica students distinguished with the Caixa Mais Mundo Award
On 3 April, Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) honoured 16 students from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa with the Caixa Mais Mundo Award, 7th edition (2024/25). Find out more about CGD's scholarships, which aim to recognise merit and broaden access to higher education.

Mon, 07/04/2025

Responsabilidade Social Social Innovation Careers
Católica students create innovative solutions to real challenges
The Impact Career Lab, held on 10 and 13 February, brought together students from Universidade Católica Portuguesa and social organisations - including the Galp Foundation, EDP and Lisbon Project - to work on creative solutions to real challenges facing society. Find out more.

Mon, 17/02/2025

Católica Responsabilidade Social Volunteering
Católica's Solidarity Christmas Campaign mobilises more than 300 volunteers
Universidade Católica Portuguesa organised the Christmas Solidarity Campaign "The Joy of Giving", involving 300 volunteers at its headquarters and at its three campuses in Porto, Braga and Viseu. The initiative benefited 44 social organisations and included actions such as collecting goods, volunteer events and support for needy families. Find out more.

Wed, 29/01/2025