The Lodge of Discoveries is part of the group of English freemasonry lodges in Portugal which in turn is part of the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the UK, contributing £51.1 million to deserving causes in 2020 alone. During the pandemic restrictions Masonic charitable activities had been limited but with the resumption of meetings, the lodge members have once again been able to vote on charitable giving.

“Madrugada is a fantastic charity that really should be recognised for the sterling charitable work it carries out throughout the Algarve and I was delighted to be able to meet and talk to some of the actual carers and volunteers,” said Pierre Caeiro.

Madrugada offers support throughout illness and beyond, to people in the Algarve who are affected by a life limiting illness. Their specialist clinical team provide homebased end of life care to those who prefer to spend their remaining days in their own home. Since 2009 and up until November 2021, Madrugada has cared for 215 end of life patients and their loved ones. They have also provided thousands of hours of support to people affected by life limiting illness and provided hospital visits, equipment, telephone support, information, health workshops and professional development education. The charity was established in February 2009 in response to limited choices for end of life care in the Algarve.

For more information on Madrugada Associação see http://madrugada-portugal.com