Ms. Anastácia lives with her 49-year-old daughter, a woman with Down syndrome who depends on her for a safe and stable life. The goal of this campaign is urgent.
Mrs. Anastácia is 89 years old. A lifetime of work, courage, and resilience. She never gave up—even when everything seemed difficult. She always moved forward with dignity, faith, and a generous heart that never left anyone behind.
Today, she's the one who needs help.
Ms. Anastácia lives with her youngest daughter, 49, a woman with Down syndrome who depends on her daily for a safe and stable life. They are inseparable. They care for each other with a deep love, the kind that cannot be explained—it is felt.
But they face a difficult reality.
The house where they live lacks basic amenities: the bathroom is outside. Every day, whether it's cold, raining, or at night, they are forced to leave the house for something so essential. For two people with limited mobility, this situation is not only uncomfortable—it's dangerous.
We want to change that. And we need you.
The goal of this campaign is simple and urgent:
👉 Building a bathroom inside the house
👉 Improve access and security conditions
👉 To guarantee comfort and dignity for these two lives.
Every contribution counts. Even the smallest one makes a difference.
Because this isn't just about construction projects — it's about quality of life, it's about safety, it's about respect for those who have given so much.
If you can't help with a donation, please share this campaign. Sometimes, it just takes reaching the right person for everything to change.
Let's make a difference together.
Let's give Mrs. Anastácia and her daughter the comfort they deserve.
Thank you for being a part of this cause ❤️
About the author
Rugas de Sorrisos – Associação de Apoio Social , formally established in October 2017 and now recognized as a Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS), has been developing a pioneering community-based service for the elderly and their caregivers in the Guarda region.
We work every day with a clear objective: to allow the elderly to remain in their homes, with dignity, comfort and quality of life, postponing or avoiding institutionalization.
The reality we face is demanding. The Guarda district ranks 1st nationally in the number of elderly people living alone and isolated , according to the GNR Senior Census. There are almost 6,000 people in this vulnerable situation , a number that continues to grow—reinforcing the urgency of our mission.
To address this need, we have been expanding our intervention, with the support of the public initiative Portugal Inovação Social , which recognized the impact of our work and is funding its expansion for the second time over three years. We also have partners and the collaboration of the GNR (National Republican Guard) and the PSP (Public Security Police), who help us identify situations of greater vulnerability.
Currently, we support 47 elderly people in the municipalities of Guarda, Mêda, and Trancoso through a multidisciplinary team that ensures:
- Home companionship and medication guidance.
- Assistance with appointments, purchases, and services.
- Support in personal care (hygiene and well-being)
- Health and nursing treatments
- Activities to stimulate cognitive, sensory, and physical development.
- Moments of togetherness and leisure.
In addition to individualized support tailored to each person's needs, we also promote group activities in partnership with 5 parish councils , currently with 58 participants . The goal is simple: to combat isolation and promote physical and emotional well-being and social interaction.
We believe we are more than just a service—we are presence, care, and companionship. We are often the support that makes all the difference in someone's day.
But in order for us to continue this work — and to help those who need it most — we need you.
👉 Every contribution counts
Build this change with us. Be the difference!
Thank you for being a part of this cause ❤️
Budget and due dates
To ensure better living conditions, safety and comfort, this intervention foresees a thorough rehabilitation of the dwelling, including:
🔨 Structural removal and reconstruction
- Removal of the existing roof and its wooden structure.
- Demolition of the wooden floor and old interior walls.
- Construction of a new, safer and more durable floor slab.
🏠 New roof and insulation
- Construction of a new metal structure for the roof.
- Application of sandwich panel and ceramic tile.
- Thermal insulation of the facade for greater comfort in winter.
🚪 Improved access and window frames
- Installation of 3 exterior doors in aluminum or PVC with glass.
- Installation of 5 interior doors and a built-in wardrobe.
💧⚡ Essential Infrastructure
- Complete installation of water, sewage, and electricity networks.
🧱 Reorganizing the interior space
- Creating new spaces: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen/living room.
- Construction of false walls and ceilings with thermal and acoustic insulation.
🛁 Finishes
- Ceramic tile flooring in the bathroom and kitchen area.
- Mosaic application throughout the house floor.
♻️ Cleaning and waste treatment
- Removal of debris and complete cleaning of the area affected.
This project is not just a remodeling.
It's about creating a safe, dignified, and comfortable space for those who need it most.
💛 Every contribution helps build this new beginning.
Campaign schedule: May 13th to July 12th.
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Documents
Rugas de Sorrisos
A obra começou — mas ainda precisamos da vossa ajuda ❤️
Olá a todos, boa tarde.
A campanha chegou ao fim e, infelizmente, ficou muito aquém do valor que necessitamos. Ainda assim, queremos partilhar convosco que hoje pusemos, literalmente, as mãos na obra: o empreiteiro começou hoje os trabalhos, enquanto nós continuamos a correr atrás do que ainda falta.
Iremos lançar uma segunda campanha, numa nova tentativa de angariar o valor que falta. Mas, como sabem, o material também representa um custo significativo. Por isso, se souberem de empresas de construção ou até de pessoas que tenham sobras de materiais de obras realizadas nas suas próprias casas e que possam disponibilizar, toda a ajuda será muito bem-vinda e fará a diferença.
Aproveito também para pedir a quem contribuiu para a campanha e pretenda receber o respetivo recibo que me envie, por favor, os seguintes dados:
• Nome
• NIF
• Morada
• Valor do donativo
Assim poderemos proceder à emissão do recibo.
Muito obrigada a todos os que têm contribuído, divulgado e acompanhado esta causa. ❤️
Com gratidão,
Helena Saraiva, presidente de direção e coordenadora
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Rugas de Sorrisos
Reta final da Campanha
Bom dia a todos.
Estamos na reta final da campanha Paredes de Esperança e, infelizmente, ainda estamos bastante longe de atingir o valor necessário.
Quero agradecer, desde já, a cada um/a de vós pelo apoio, pela divulgação e por todos os contributos que têm dado. Cada gesto faz a diferença.
Mesmo sem termos reunido o montante de que necessitamos, iremos dar início à obra no próximo mês, porque acreditamos que este projeto não pode esperar.
Nesta fase decisiva, voltamos a pedir a vossa ajuda. Partilhem a campanha com familiares, amigos e nas vossas redes sociais. Se conhecerem empresas de construção que possam colaborar com a doação de materiais, mão de obra ou qualquer outro tipo de apoio, coloquem-nos em contacto. Toda a ajuda, por mais pequena que pareça, será muito bem-vinda.
Juntos conseguimos construir muito mais do que paredes: construímos esperança.
Muito obrigada pelo vosso apoio e por fazerem parte desta caminhada.
Com muita gratidão,
Helena Saraiva
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Rugas de Sorrisos
Juntos por uma Causa, Unidos pela Esperança: Obrigada!
A campanha Paredes de Esperança continua a crescer, passo a passo, graças à generosidade de todos vós. Cada contributo, cada partilha e cada palavra de apoio aproxima-nos um pouco mais do objetivo que queremos alcançar.
O nosso mais sincero obrigada a todos os que já contribuíram e a quem continua a divulgar o nosso trabalho e esta campanha. Mais do que angariar fundos, estamos a construir uma verdadeira corrente de esperança para alguém que acompanhamos de perto e que merece sentir que não está sozinho/a.
Queremos também deixar uma palavra de enorme gratidão à equipa da PPL, que tem estado sempre presente, disponível para nos apoiar, orientar e esclarecer todas as dúvidas, a qualquer hora, com uma dedicação e humanidade que fazem toda a diferença.
Continuamos juntos, com gratidão no coração.
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