Luís Alves is the President of the Associação de Cães e Gatos de Aljezur, generally known as ACCT. The association was started in 2001 by a group of people dedicated to animal welfare. The aim was to generate money to help animals by selling second-hand items in their shop. Twenty-four years later, the shop, A Loja de Caridade, remains open. The ACCT committee voted to elect Luís Alves as the new president on 1 March this year. Since then, with the immense help of 14 wonderful volunteers, he has transformed the already successful shop into a thriving business.
Luís was born in 1968 in Almodôver in the heart of the Alentejo. “I grew up surrounded by animals, the open fields and traditions that now feel as if they belong to another era,” he reminisces. “I’m from a time when people got milk from the local farmer, villages were bustling with life, and animals were part of the family. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, the rural way of life began to slowly disappear. Now only a few traces are left.”
Luís moved to England in his late teens and worked there for five years. He then returned to Portugal, staying only for a short time. “Economic hardships led me to seek better opportunities in Scandinavia, where I ended up living for nearly three decades,” he recounts. During Luís’ career, he developed skills in administration, redesigning and creative recycling of materials. He had no idea how useful these experiences would be later in his life.
Luís decided to return to Portugal in 2017, choosing Aljezur as his home. “Soon after I had relocated, I adopted Rebeca, an abandoned puppy,” remembers Luís. “She is now five, and I love her so much. Caring for an animal represents more than just a kind act; it fulfils a nurturing need within ourselves.”
After a while, Luís noticed that there were many stray cats in his neighbourhood, so he began leaving food and water for them. “I hated to see them so hungry and thirsty. I felt compelled to help.” In due course, he began to meet his neighbours, one of whom told him that she was a volunteer at the ACCT charity shop in town. He decided to offer his help and subsequently accompanied her to the shop for three mornings. He has continued to work there ever since. “I feel as if I have found my place, helping earth’s angels – the animals that so many people neglect or mistreat, or quite simply don’t have enough money to look after properly.”
The ACCT committee and volunteers had managed the shop efficiently over the years, but, due to his previous work experience and expertise, Luís began to see a few ways for improvement. Recognising his abilities and devotion to the cause, the association’s committee asked him to join them. Before long, they wisely elected him as president. Luís has thrown himself entirely into the role and has shaken up the shop! He works long hours sorting out not only the physical aspects of the shop but also the administrative side.
“I am honoured to assume the position of President of ACCT,” Luís remarks. “My mission is to support not only dogs and cats, but all vulnerable animals. They are our silent healers, our loyal companions and often our greatest teachers. They understand our silence like few humans can. There are cats that show empathy, dogs that act as therapists, donkeys that hold many stories and birds that remind us of the value of freedom. They all deserve a place in this world.”
ACCT gratefully receives donations from the community of clothes, utensils and bric-a-brac. The volunteers sort through, clean and price the items, which are then displayed in the shop for sale. “We are strict about only selling good quality items,” Luís clarifies. “The donations to the shop get turned into money that helps transform the lives of many animals. We pay for sterilisations, surgeries, medication and food for pets whose owners are struggling financially. We are also proud to have helped towards the building of shelters for the local donkey sanctuary.”
The shop is in Aljezur town centre on the opposite side of the road from the post office. Unfortunately, it is quite small, but Luís and some volunteers have recently reorganised things, so the space is utilised wisely. “Luís is so focused and absorbed in what he is doing that sometimes he doesn’t leave the shop until ten at night,” remarks Vice-President Lynda Clarke. “Everything he does is done with commitment and enthusiasm.”
The bureaucracy of running a successful association is overwhelming. Luís is in the process of sorting out the many complicated legal aspects, including banking and the necessary forms for the volunteers. ACCT is working on creating a website that will showcase its work, facilitate monetary donations, and enable individuals to become members. It will also soon be on social media.
Luís emphasises the need for more volunteers to help with the running of the shop. “Unfortunately, sometimes we must shut due to a lack of staff. This causes disappointment to our customers and annoyance to the people who donate to us, but most importantly, we lose the opportunity to raise money for the animals.” He asks anyone who can help for three hours a week to contact him.
“There is still much to be done in the municipality of Aljezur. That’s why our team’s effort is so vital. Each volunteer is equally important. Without them, and indeed without the people who have preceded them, the association would not exist. We have a fantastic group, driven by love and persistence to make a difference in the lives of animals. Our purpose is clear: to continually improve the association and raise awareness about animal well-being. I extend my deepest gratitude to all who support me, and I am so proud of all our loyal and dependable volunteers.”
Luís is a busy, yet humble man, not seeking attention for himself. “I have wandered through many paths of learning, collecting experiences rather than titles. I have always embraced diversity, from business to crafts, from music to politics, and from sewing to sports. Each step has added a new layer to the way I see the world.”
With any free time he has, Luís enjoys kayaking, cycling, going for walks and offering help to those in need. “I laugh at myself sometimes, as I am constantly moving between passions and pursuits, always with the same desire to learn, to care and to live each moment fully.”
Luís’ dedication to ACCT is unfaltering. “I will continue for as long as I can to fight for these beings who only ask to be seen, fed and cared for. Our true legacy is what we do for those who have no voice. Animals are not just a chapter in our story; they are integral members of our natural world, and they are a part of our soul.”
Luís: +351 960 248 840
