In a statement, the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP) said that the "Vale +" campaign will run until October 19 exclusively in 280 Lidl stores across the country. Given the increase in requests for assistance between 2023 and 2024, "the number of families supported by the CVP increased by 60%."

The previous edition of the "Vale +" campaign, held last July, provided 43,488 meals to the most vulnerable families, according to the CVP.

With this new edition, it will be possible to support families in situations of greater socioeconomic vulnerability through the purchase of solidarity vouchers available at the retailer's checkout counters. During the weekend of October 11th and 12th, teams of CVP volunteers will be present at several participating stores to collect food and hygiene products donated directly by customers.

Based on the concept "Your choice is WORTH MORE. So that no one is left without help!", the initiative "calls for the mobilization and social responsibility of the Portuguese people, in a context where requests for help continue to increase significantly, ensuring that the campaign meets the basic needs of Portuguese families."

In 2024, the number of families supported with food aid by CVP's ​​159 Local Structures increased by approximately 58.6%, from 60,000 in 2023 to 95,169 in 2024, nationwide, through the delivery of food items or food vouchers, allowing for a more tailored response to individual needs.

With this new national solidarity initiative, CVP affirms that it aims to reinforce the importance of involving and mobilizing the community to respond to this increasingly widespread social emergency, which affects not only the unemployed but also families with jobs who can no longer cover basic expenses.

CVP 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 the supported families, ensuring more flexible support tailored to their needs.

You can also donate essential goods next weekend (October 11th and 12th) directly to the volunteers who will be present in 93 participating stores.