For over a year, we have been visiting SPAD animal shelter in Madeira, and every visit reminds us how much small improvements can change daily life for the dogs and cats waiting for a home.

That is why we are raising funds for cat beds, leashes, toys and scratching posts to improve comfort and wellbeing inside the shelter.

Why this fundraiser

For more than a year, we have kept showing up at SPAD.

We have walked the dogs, brought groups, bought food for them at Christmas, spent time with the animals, spoken to staff, listened, observed, and kept coming back.

There is always joy in these visits. Joy in seeing the dogs realise they are going out for a walk. Joy in watching their different personalities come through, the excited ones, the shy ones, the calm ones, the funny ones, the stubborn ones. Some are full of energy, almost running with happiness just to be outside. Others are quieter, gentler, or simply grateful for a little attention and fresh air.

But alongside that joy, there is always another feeling too.

Because for many of them, the shelter is still home.

Over time, we have seen the daily reality of what it means to care for so many animals. We have seen the effort, the love, the responsibility, and the ongoing need for resources. We have also seen that small, practical items can make a real difference in the daily comfort and wellbeing of the animals while they wait for adoption.

What we are raising funds for

We are raising funds for practical items that can improve everyday life at the shelter, especially:

These may sound like simple things, but inside a shelter they matter deeply.

Who we are

Madeira Friends (NIF 516898787) is a non-profit organisation that brings together locals and internationals in Madeira through community, connection, and giving back.

Madeira Friends was created as a long-term social project, helping give continuity and greater purpose to the Digital Nomads Madeira initiative launched by the Regional Government and Startup Madeira. As the international community grew, so did the need for real integration, not only socially, but also through shared purpose and contribution to the island.

We believe that a real community is built not just by bringing people together, but by creating opportunities to care for the place and people around us.

Over the years, Madeira Friends has built a strong track record of volunteering and supporting local causes linked to animal welfare, children and families, environment and social impact initiatives.

We are proud to be a community of people who do not only connect but also give back.

Who is SPAD

SPAD is one of the oldest animal shelters in Madeira and cares for a large number of dogs and cats.

The team works every day to provide food, medical attention, hygiene, and care to animals who have often been abandoned, neglected, or left without alternatives. Some animals are adopted quickly, while others remain at the shelter for much longer.

Over the past year, through our visits, conversations, and time spent there, we have seen both the challenges and the commitment behind this work. Caring for so many animals takes enormous effort, consistency, and heart.

Like many shelters, SPAD faces practical limitations, but it also continues trying to improve conditions for the animals in its care.

How the funds will be used

All funds raised will go towards purchasing items that help improve comfort, enrichment, and daily wellbeing for the animals at SPAD.

We will also share updates so everyone can see the impact of this fundraiser and what has been purchased.

Why it matters

We may not be able to give every animal a home ourselves, but together we can help make the wait gentler, safer, and more comfortable.

How you can help

If you are able to donate, thank you.

If you are not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would also mean a lot.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us support SPAD’s dogs and cats with more comfort and dignity while they wait for the homes they deserve.

Thank you for being part of this.

Videos on YouTube

Dog walking at SPAD, Dog walking at SPAD, Dog walking at SPAD, Donating food to SPAD

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Facebook: Madeira Friends International Community Association