Volunteering in Guimaraes
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Guimaraes is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Welcome to Guimarães, Portugal! As an expat, you might be looking for ways to connect with your new community, practice your language skills, and make a positive impact. Volunteering is an excellent way to achieve all of these goals while meeting like-minded individuals. Guimarães offers a range of volunteering opportunities, from environmental conservation to cultural preservation and social welfare. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
Casa da Memória de Guimarães
Casa da Memória de Guimarães is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the city's rich history and heritage. Volunteers can assist with events, exhibitions, and educational workshops. To get involved, you can contact them directly or visit their website for more information. The time commitment varies depending on the specific event or project.
Website: casadamemoria.pt
Location(s): Rua D. João I, Guimarães
Time Commitment: Varies by event/project
Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome
Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome is a national food bank that aims to reduce food waste and hunger. Volunteers can help with food collection, sorting, and distribution. To get involved, you can register on their website. Most volunteers commit to a few hours per week, with flexible scheduling options available.
Website: bancoalimentar.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week
Refood Guimarães
Refood is a non-profit organization that collects surplus food from local businesses and redistributes it to those in need. Volunteers can assist with food collection, meal preparation, and delivery. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. Most volunteers commit to one or two shifts per week.
Website: re-food.org
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: 1-2 shifts per week (approximately 3-6 hours)
Associação Portuguesa de Amigos do Caminho de Santiago
This association aims to promote and preserve the Portuguese Way of St. James, a popular pilgrimage route that passes through Guimarães. Volunteers can help with trail maintenance, event organization, and pilgrim support. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific activity.
Website: caminhoportuguês.com
Location(s): Various locations along the Portuguese Way
Time Commitment: Varies by activity
Associação Zoom Guimarães
Associação Zoom Guimarães is a cultural association that organizes various events, workshops, and activities throughout the year. Volunteers can assist with event planning, promotion, and execution. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific event.
Website: zoomguimaraes.com
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: Varies by event
Quercus Guimarães
Quercus is an environmental organization that focuses on conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Volunteers can participate in various projects, such as tree planting, clean-ups, and educational workshops. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. Most volunteers commit to a few hours per month, with flexible scheduling options available.
Website: quercus.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per month
Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa - Guimarães
The Portuguese Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides various services, including emergency response, health care, and social support. Volunteers can assist with these services, as well as participate in training and awareness campaigns. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific role and activity.
Website: cruzvermelha.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: Varies by role and activity
Corpo Nacional de Escutas - Agrupamento 608 Guimarães
The Corpo Nacional de Escutas is a scouting organization that focuses on youth development, education, and outdoor activities. Volunteers can assist with leading activities, organizing events, and mentoring young people. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. Most volunteers commit to a few hours per week, with some weekend activities and camps.
Website: escutas.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: A few hours per week, plus some weekend activities and camps
Associação Portuguesa de Pais e Amigos do Cidadão Deficiente Mental (APPACDM) Guimarães
APPACDM Guimarães is an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Volunteers can assist with various activities, such as workshops, outings, and fundraising events. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific activity.
Website: appacdmguimaraes.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: Varies by activity
Centro Social Paroquial de São Torcato
Centro Social Paroquial de São Torcato is a social welfare organization that provides various services, including senior care, childcare, and community support. Volunteers can assist with these services, as well as participate in events and activities. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific role and activity.
Website: cspstorcato.pt
Location(s): São Torcato, Guimarães
Time Commitment: Varies by role and activity
Associação Cultural Convívio
Associação Cultural Convívio is a cultural association that promotes intercultural dialogue, arts, and education. Volunteers can assist with events, workshops, and various projects. To get involved, you can contact them through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project or event.
Website: convivio.org
Location(s): Various locations in Guimarães
Time Commitment: Varies by project or event
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Guimaraes
- Retire in Guimaraes Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Guimaraes
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Portugal
- Best Places to Live in Portugal
- Real Estate in Portugal
- Italy vs. Portugal
- Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Portugal
- More Advice about Retiring in Portugal


