Madrugada is supported in many different
ways by our local community including people willing to give their time to
volunteer. Linda Hardy and Heather Wells from our Luz shop have given away the
secret – it´s fun as well as work!
Linda (59) and Heather (64) have worked in
the Luz shop since it first opened and they both love it. They had busy careers
before retiring here in the Algarve. “Volunteering is very social. I have made
some good friends through the other volunteers and customers” says Heather.
Linda likes the fact that every day is different “There is always something to
make you laugh – usually it is one of us!”
Linda and Heather work one day a week in the
shop sorting items, pricing, serving customers, answering queries and making
copious cups of tea! Other volunteers work just a few hours per week and some
work part of the year when they are here. There is a broad range of
nationalities, age and experience. Everybody brings something different – we
are very lucky to have a huge amount of expertise and a delightful mix of
personalities.
As one volunteer put it “I like the fact
that it is a day away from the usual routine – especially husbands!” Just in
case you´re wondering we do of course welcome husbands to volunteer too.
But of course behind all of this is the
knowledge our volunteers hold dear – their dedicated efforts bring support and
relief to people very much in need. “Madrugada provides something very much
needed:” said Heather “We all have known someone who has needed this kind of
support and when you retire abroad, you never know when you might need it
yourself”.