The Portuguese Red Cross (PRC) has announced that the “Vale +” campaign will continue exclusively in 280 Lidl stores across the country until October 19. In light of increased aid requests, the PRC reported a 60% rise in the number of families supported between 2023 and 2024.
The previous edition of the “Vale +” campaign, conducted last July, enabled the provision of 43,488 meals to vulnerable families, according to the PRC.
This new edition aims to support families in fragile socio-economic situations through the purchase of solidarity vouchers available at the retail chain’s payment counters. During the weekend of October 11 and 12, PRC volunteer teams will be present at various participating stores to collect food and hygiene products donated directly by customers.
Based on the concept “Your choice is worth more. So no one is left without help!”, the initiative appeals to the mobilization and social responsibility of the Portuguese, addressing the significantly increasing requests for help and responding to the basic needs of Portuguese families.
In the previous edition, a total of 60,273 euros in vouchers were raised along with 71,883 products collected in-store, equivalent to 91,937 euros.
By 2024, the number of families receiving food aid from the 159 Local Structures of the PRC increased by approximately 58.6%, rising from 60,000 in 2023 to 95,169 in 2024 across the national territory through the distribution of goods or food cards, allowing a more tailored response to individual needs.
Through this new national solidarity action, the PRC aims to underscore the importance of involving and mobilizing the community to address this increasingly widespread social emergency, which affects not only the unemployed but also working families who are no longer able to cover basic expenses.
The PRC explains that citizens can contribute by purchasing solidarity vouchers (1, 2, and 5 euros) available at the cash registers of participating Lidl stores. These vouchers represent essential products that will be distributed to supported families, ensuring more flexible and adaptable support tailored to their needs.
Essential goods can also be donated over the upcoming weekend (October 11 and 12) directly to volunteers who will be present in 93 participating stores.
