She is a talented artist, mural artist, live wedding artist and art instructor originally from South Africa, and she has realised Donna’s vision by painting a wonderful work of art on the building, which will probably make the store the most recognisable charity shop for miles!


Raising Funds for Dogs

101 Donations Charity Shop (what a delightful name!) is the brainchild of Donna McFadden, who has dedicated many years to raising funds for The Tiny Shelter, Albufeira - a sanctuary for pre-loved dogs, waifs and strays, where they are cared for, fed and fussed over until they are adopted. This doesn’t come cheap, especially where medical costs might be involved, and Isobel Searle, who runs it, has used every penny that Donna has been able to raise, whether it be just a small amount from fund-raising lunches or something grander. In November last year, there was a successful fundraising Xmas Fair in Guia where an enjoyable day was created by encouraging an array of stallholders to come forward to sell their craft items, treats and second-hand items on commission, plus a line-up of free Xmas entertainment to help shoppers get in the Christmas spirit.

Grand Opening

This glorious little shop will have a grand opening on 9th March 2025 between 2.00pm and 5.00pm, and a grand opening it will be – put the date in your diary and come and be one of the first to visit and make an afternoon of it, browse the racks, have a complimentary drink and nibbles, and enjoy some live music – and spend some money of course!

Dream Come True

The creation of this charity shop has been a long-standing dream for Donna, who was a worthy winner in the Algarve Business Awards in 2024, gaining a Special Recognition Award for her work for the Tiny Shelter, and ‘101 Donations’ will provide a welcome steady income stream for the Shelter. All donations received for sale will be carefully ‘vetted’ to ensure quality items are on show, and the income generated will help sustain the waifs and strays at Tiny Shelter. The shop will be laid out in an easy-to-negotiate way, and there will even be a fantastic array of donated designer items too.


Why Shop at 101 Donations?

Every penny spent goes directly to helping the furry friends find love, care, and a forever home through Tiny Shelter Albufeira. You will find quality items, meet like-minded animal lovers, and Donna or one of her volunteers will invite you to spread the word to make a real impact. Everyone who shops there will change a life —one paw at a time! So many people have been incredibly generous in giving donations of countless items or services to make this venture a reality, ranging from shop fittings, coat-hangers, a cash register - even scaffolding for the mural artist - for which the Shelter will be eternally grateful.

For more information about donating or volunteering, contact Donna at Donnaevents180@gmail.com or message her on (+351) 911 525 899. And while talking about donating, she would be happy to hear from anyone who would like to donate a bottle of wine to help launch the opening of the shop! Once they are up and running their opening hours will be 11am – 3.00pm every day, excluding Mondays.

Every purchase will make a difference, so come along to shop, donate or volunteer, and you will be welcomed with open arms!

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan