We need your help to make a dream come true: the construction of our refuge in Alcanena. This space, which will be used by members and nature enthusiasts, is in urgent need of work to make it functional and welcoming.
It all started with a small group of nature and adventure enthusiasts. They were speleologists, mountaineers and explorers who saw caves and mountains as more than just challenges: they saw stories to tell and a world to preserve. Thus was born GEM – Grupo de Espeleologia e Montanhismo, a non-profit association dedicated to exploring, teaching and protecting.
Over the years, GEM has grown. Today, we welcome people of all ages and experience levels, offering activities such as caving, canyoning and mountaineering. Every descent into a cave or jump into a river is an opportunity to learn, to overcome obstacles and to bond with nature.
But every adventurer needs a safe haven. That’s how the dream of our refuge in Alcanena came about: a space to share stories, educate new generations of explorers and find rest after days full of adrenaline.
This dream began to take shape when we found a place in Alcanena. A small house, in the heart of a region rich in natural beauty, which promised to be the perfect meeting point for explorers and mountain enthusiasts. However, time and use have taken their toll. Today, the refuge urgently needs renovation to make it functional and welcoming.
Imagine a refuge with a solid roof to shelter our adventurers from storms, comfortable beds to recharge their batteries, and a simple kitchen to share meals and stories. A place where we teach how to explore nature safely, provide caving and canyoning training, and prepare new adventurers to respect and protect the environment.
That's what we're building. But to make this dream come true, we need your help.
What has already been thought of and is beginning to be implemented:
- Repair of the rest of the building structure (roof, walls and floor).
- Improvements in basic infrastructure , such as plumbing and electricity.
- Essential equipment for user comfort, such as beds and kitchen utensils.
- Training space for workshops and training in speleology and canyoning.
Why help?
The GEM refuge will be:
- A meeting point for adventurers and explorers.
- A place for training and safety , promoting responsible and sustainable activities.
- Support for the local community , attracting visitors and boosting the Alcanena region.
- Accessible and inclusive , allowing more people to connect with nature.
We are launching this campaign to raise 5,000 euros to begin the work that the refuge desperately needs. With this money, we will be able to repair the basic infrastructure, such as the roof, walls and electricity, and transform this space into a true home for explorers.
Every euro invested is a step towards the future of GEM and the preservation of a spirit of adventure that spans generations. It is also a contribution to the local community of Alcanena, who will see this refuge as a driving force for adventure tourism and knowledge sharing.
If you've ever been moved by the power of nature or felt your heart beat faster when overcoming a challenge, this is your opportunity to be part of something bigger.
Help us build GEM’s refuge. Donate what you can, share this campaign and be part of this story. Together, we can transform this space into a home for endless dreams and adventures.
Help us bring our refuge to life. Thank you for being part of this journey!
