On 17 October, VdA Porto participated in a corporate volunteering initiative organised in partnership with the Gaia Biological Park in the context of the GIRO 2.0 Programme promoted by GRACE - Corporate Citizenship Reflection and Support Group.
Eight VdA volunteers spent a morning at Gaia Biological Park removing plants classified as high-risk invasive species.
The GIRO 2.0 Programme aims to increase the impact of volunteering on local organisations and Third Sector projects, bring companies closer to social economy entities and their needs, and to facilitate employee involvement in long-term corporate volunteering initiatives.
In 2019, the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation and VdA joined the GIRO 2.0 pilot project, having participated in seven volunteer actions developed in partnership with the following organisations: BIPP - Inclusion for Disability, Quinta Essência, Renovar a Mouraria and Gaia Biological Park.

“My participation in Giro was doubly positive: on the one hand, the activity we set out to do was extremely fun and a great team building exercise; on the other, it offered us the chance to improve Gaia Biological Park and our green footprint! These are very useful initiatives that we hope to repeat one day!”

João de Araújo Ferraz

“On the morning of 17 October I had the privilege of participating in an activity organised under the GIRO programme, promoted by GRACE.
8 members of the Porto office accepted the challenge and set to work: spending a morning (threatened by rain, which eventually cleared for precisely the necessary time) in Gaia Biological Park, carrying out the removal of invasive plant species in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Upon our arrival at Gaia Biological Park we were informed of the details of the volunteer action, as well as the different activities developed by the Park. We then got down to work and in about an hour and a half, thanks to our combined efforts, we managed to fill almost an entire trailer with the plants removed from one of the affected areas in the Park(!).
It was undoubtedly a very pleasant morning spent outdoors, accompanied by the friendly Mr. Manuel (an employee of the Park) who was always available to guide the volunteers and who also gave us an enriching guided tour of the various areas of the Park.
I will be looking forward to repeating the experience!”

Andreia Vidal Tam

“My participation in the Giro programme exceeded my expectations!
In addition to it having been a very rewarding experience, it was fun to hang out with people with whom I work on a daily basis, in a more informal and relaxed setting. These team building moments make perfect sense, as they reinforce the union among all members of the team I am happy to be a part of.
I would also highlight two specific aspects of the programme. Firstly, I particularly enjoyed removing the high-risk invasive plant species from the earth. Secondly, I can only praise the friendly welcome extended by the entire staff of the Gaia Biological Park, especially our guide, Mr. Manuel.
It was undoubtedly a truly enriching experience that I hope to repeat in the future!”

Anabela Vasconcelos