The Madrugada Project, Lagos

One of the biggest factors that results in expatriates moving back to their native country, is the worry of how they would cope if they or a loved-one became seriously ill.

Wanting to lessen the burden and the belief that foreigners feel they will have little option than return ‘home’ if they become ill, is Madrugada, a palliative care association based in the Algarve.

Whilst charity shops may line the high streets in the UK and are almost as common as clothes shops, bakeries and grocers, abroad charity shops are significantly less familiar. In fact when have you ever seen a shop dedicated to raising money for charity in the likes of Greece, Spain and Portugal? Although in the latter country, the picture regarding charity shops – or lack of them – may be changing, thanks to the pioneering charity, Madrugada.

Madrugada is a relatively new project concentrating on providing care and support for people living with terminal illnesses in the Lagos municipality of the Algarve. Following the success of Madrugada’s pilot charity shop in Praia da Luz, a string of new charity shops are planned to be opened throughout the Lagos region in 2011. The charity shop in Praia da Luz has been extremely successful in raising money to helping seriously ill people in the region. Madrugada’s fundraising events have also been very successful in helping raise money to provide for the previously virtually un-catered for services.

Although Madrugada’s services are far from limited to expatriates and are intended for the whole of the Lagos community. To continue its efforts to assist, encourage and advise people living with life-threatening diseases such as cancer, Madrugada’s founder Alison Blair, is appealing for new members.

“Not everybody is able to go to charity or fundraising events, so the association is therefore looking for “Armchair Members”: people who pay an annual membership fee and can rest assured knowing they’ve made a contribution, but can then do as much or as little more as they like,” said Alison Blair.

It has been estimated that in order to achieve its aims, the target Madrugada requires is 245,000 euros. If you are interested in becoming part of such a worthy and pioneering project, taking place in one of the most architecturally and culturally stunning municipalities of the Algarve visit: www.madrugada-portugal.com