Christmas Support: A Purposeful Holiday Adventure
Christmas Support
Designed for those who want to use their holiday time meaningfully, this program combines volunteer work with cultural immersion and festive activities, all within a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment.
This holiday season, step into a meaningful adventure that combines the joy of giving with the excitement of discovering a new culture. The Christmas Support in Lisbon invites changemakers from around the world to spend their Christmas holidays making a real difference through community work, cultural exchange, and festive experiences in the beautiful city of Lisbon.
What to Expect:
- Holiday Volunteering: Support initiatives that bring joy and assistance to children, families, and vulnerable communities during the Christmas season.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Portuguese holiday traditions through festive activities, and local excursions to Óbidos Christmas Fair.
- Community Connection: Engage with local NGOs and community centers to make a meaningful impact on families’ lives.
- Festive Spirit: Participate in celebratory activities that foster friendships and intercultural exchange.
Daily Tasks:
(May vary according to the needs at the time)
- Preparing Meals: Help prepare and distribute meals at centers.
- Winter Food Workshop + Cook for the Community: Get hands-on learning how to create recipes from waste and cook sustainable, zero-waste winter dishes and deliver warm meals with purpose and compassion.
- Sorting Donations: Organize and manage donated items.
- Maintain Hygiene and Workspaces: Clean and organize food storage areas, packaging stations, and deliveryspaces. Learn how proper sanitation prevents food waste and contamination.
- Donation Baskets: Make and distribute baskets of donated goods.
- Longboard Skate Workshop: Learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors with kids from a less advantaged neighborhood.
Why Join?
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Make a Difference: Contribute directly to improving the holiday experience for children and families in need.
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Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Lisbon’s traditions and festive spirit while volunteering.
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Personal Growth: Develop teamwork, leadership, and social skills through hands-on activities.
Ready for a Purposeful Holiday?
Included
- Pick up at the Lisbon airport & transfer to the accommodation on Sundays (from 9am to 9pm only). There is an extra cost for pickups before or after this schedule.
- Accommodation at an impactful hostel in female or mixed dormitories. Bed sheets are provided. Shared use of common areas, outdoor area, garden with small pool, and free WIFI
- Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
- Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and its culture, volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
- Free SIM card (It needs to be charged to work)
- Guided city tour
- Obidos Christmas Market – minimum of 6pax
- The best tips to discover the city!
- Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project
- Introduction on the first day of volunteering
- Ongoing support throughout the stay
- 24h/7 emergency support personally or by phone
- Limited coverage civil liability insurance.
Can I cook in the accommodation?+
Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.
Do I have to pay money for volunteering?+
You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!
Do I need to speak the local language?+
No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.
How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?+
You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.
How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?+
The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!
How many people will be I be volunteering with?+
Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!
How much money should I bring to my program?+
Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!
In case of need, how do I get health care?+
All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.
What is the accommodation like? Could I stay in a private room?+
Depending on the program, in most cases, you will stay along with the other volunteers in dormitory-style rooms. Private rooms may be available at your accommodation as well for an extra cost.
What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 16+
The minimum age to participate in this program is 16 years old. However, if you are under 18 years old, you need to have your parents formal consent.
Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?+
Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local.
Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!
