National Volunteer Day is celebrated on August 28th and honors those who dedicate themselves to work for the greater good without the obligation of receiving compensation

National Volunteer Day was established in Brazil by Law No. 7,352 on August 28th 1985, but it was only regulated in the 1990s by Law No. 9,608. 

A volunteer can be defined as someone who commits to a job or takes responsibility for a task without the obligation to do so or the intention of receiving any compensation.

The beginning of volunteering in Brazil

According to an article by Daniele Lessa on the Câmara dos Deputados portal, Brazil was still a wild land when the first Santa Casa de Misericórdia hospital was founded in 1543 in the village of Santos, a city in the state of São Paulo, marking the first record of voluntary work in the country.

At that time and for the following centuries, voluntary services primarily came from churches through the efforts of religious figures. It was only in the 20th century that this situation changed, as the state began to play a significant role in social assistance.

During the 1930s Revolution, Darcy Vargas, wife of then President Getúlio Vargas, initiated a voluntary assistance movement for soldiers’ families, an action that was repeated in 1942 during World War II.

Decades later, in the 1970s, civil society organizations began to structure themselves in this regard. With the end of the military regime, this movement grew stronger, with television playing an important role in publicizing voluntary work.

According to the Ingesto – Instituição para Gestão do Terceiro Setor (“Institution for the Management of the Third Sector”, in English), volunteering plays a crucial role in society and holds significant importance for individuals and communities.

Strengthening the society

According to Ingesto, when someone chooses to be a volunteer, this decision not only influences the community they are part of, but more importantly enhances the quality of life of the person providing the service.

Being a volunteer promotes a sense of community and strengthens social connections. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for personal growth, providing new experiences.

Besides, when you do something for others voluntarily, you end up encouraging and inspiring those around you to do the same.

For those reasons, in honor of National Volunteer Day, celebrated on August 28, we remember some organizations whose members engage in volunteer work, and whose actions have been documented on our portal and social media.

• Voluntários Engajados (“Engaged Volunteers”): Aims to bring more joy to the lives of children hospitalized in Rio de Janeiro.
• Barraca Solidária: This project features a typical market stall with a difference: customers do not pay for the items they select, receiving them as donations.
• Samba Sem Fome: Through a roda de samba (“samba circle”, in English), a group of friends collects food and donates it to institutions that care for people in vulnerable situations.
• Atados: An online social platform that connects people with volunteer opportunities in social causes and develops projects with social impact.
• Argilando: Mission-driven to promote volunteer work and strengthen the actions of the Third Sector, including its programs and social projects.
• Costurando o Bem: Volunteer seamstresses rotate in producing cushions, breast prostheses, comfort objects, and other handmade items.
• Caminhos do Bem Goiás: Primarily focuses on delivering meals to hospitals, nursing homes, and homeless individuals.
• Comida de Favela de Favela Pra Favela: Every Monday, a group of volunteers gathers to transform donated food into meals, preparing around 400 lunchboxes to be distributed throughout the week.

• Paulinha Protetora: The project began in 2017 when Paula started working at an animal abandonment site near her home, providing support with medication and food.
• Eu Amo Minha Quebrada: Started with the goal of encouraging children and teenagers to document cool places in their community and share them on social media.
• Rio Eco Pets: Through the mobilization of volunteers and supporters, RioEcopet collects plastic caps for sale, with 100% of the proceeds going towards the care of abandoned animals, covering expenses such as food, surgeries and post-operative medications.
• Caravana da Humildade: This project distributes meals to homeless people, provides legal support, and facilitates access to government benefits, among other assistance services.
• Projeto Gentileza: This project addresses the hunger of individuals who, undeservedly, find themselves in situations of abandonment.
• Yoga de Rua: In addition to practicing yoga and meditation, participants also sit together to eat and take this opportunity to converse.
• Recriar Voluntários Sustentáveis: A project aimed at promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, restoration of degraded areas and reducing pollution.

Read the full articles on Lupa do Bem and follow the projects on Instagram.