The Mayor of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Mário Passos, visited this Monday, December 5, the facilities of the associations Dar as Mãos and Refood, where he assumed the role of a volunteer for a few hours.
On the day that marked the International Day of Volunteering, Mário Passos wanted to know closely the dynamics of these two social solidarity institutions of the county, which, with the dedication and dedication of its volunteers, daily support the most disadvantaged.
"The work of associations such as Dar as Mãos and Refood enhances our municipality. They are an example of the transforming force that volunteering can have in the life of a community", said the mayor yesterday.
It should be noted that the Dar as Mãos Association, which receives annual support from the municipality of about 100 thousand euros, aims to promote and contribute to social and community integration of people in situations of socio-economic need. To achieve its purpose, it has implemented various social responses: social service and community support, the canteen and social bathhouse, the homeless unit and the Food Bank. Dar as Mãos serves 70 meals a day, distributes over fifty food baskets a month, among other support services.
Refood, which annually receives municipal support of 20 thousand euros, is a non-profit project that redirects meals to people in need. The project, which aims to ensure the immediate distribution of surpluses from restaurants, canteens and supermarkets to those most in need, currently supports 219 people with the distribution of more than 4,000 meals per month.
Mário Passos closed this day dedicated to Volunteering by attending a meeting of volunteers of the Municipal Volunteering Bank, which took place in the Youth House of Famalicão.