It's easy to do good things: look for the Stars Paws charity stand in Lisbon

This September, we will join the SBC Summit Lisbon with Stars Paws, our charity initiative that turns generosity into real change for animals in need. At our stand, every visitor will find a way to make an impact — through donations, through kindness, and through style.

We’ve prepared a brand-new collection of limited-edition merch that makes giving back both meaningful and memorable. From collars to hoodies, every item tells a story of care.

Our goal this year is clear: raise €3,000 in donations and instantly double it to €6,000 of real support for Abrigo Shelter. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand and are open to building new partnerships with everyone who shares our mission.

Why We Started Stars Paws

Stars Paws began with a simple question: how can we, as a community, make industry events about more than business? Surrounded by bright lights, busy schedules, and endless conversations, we realized that our gatherings had the power to spark something bigger — a tradition of kindness that would reach far beyond the walls of an exhibition hall.

The idea was disarmingly simple. What if every donation, no matter how small, could instantly become twice as powerful? What if every euro raised could stretch further, filling more bowls, delivering more medicine, and giving more animals the comfort they deserve? That is how the “double the good” concept was born — and with it, Stars Paws.

From the very beginning, the initiative carried a warmth that numbers alone cannot capture. At our first campaign, visitors came by out of curiosity, smiled as they picked up quirky merchandise, and left with something far more valuable: the feeling that they had made a real difference. 

We doubled their generosity, and together we saw firsthand how a simple act of kindness could ripple outward into wagging tails, playful paws, and renewed hope for abandoned animals.

We started Stars Paws because we believe compassion should not stay at home while the industry meets abroad. Every city we visit has its own stories of struggle and resilience — shelters filled with cats and dogs that wait for love, care, and a second chance. 

Supporting them became our way of leaving something meaningful behind, a small legacy in every place we go.

Over time, what was once a small idea turned into a tradition that partners and friends look forward to. The merch became not just souvenirs but symbols of belonging to a community that values empathy as much as innovation. Each collar, hoodie, or pair of crocs carries with it a promise: style and kindness can go hand in hand.

Today, Stars Paws stands for more than charity. It’s a reminder that when we unite around a shared purpose, business and compassion no longer live in separate worlds. They meet, they strengthen each other, and they create a better tomorrow — not just for animals, but for all of us.

Looking Back: How Stars Paws Grew Into a Tradition

Every big idea has a beginning, and Stars Paws is no exception. What started as a small act of compassion quickly transformed into a movement that partners and visitors now eagerly anticipate at every event. 

To understand why our mission resonates so strongly, it’s worth looking back at where it all began — in Barcelona — and how it continued to grow in London. Each city added its own chapter, each campaign brought fresh energy, and together they shaped the spirit of Stars Paws.

Barcelona: The First Step Toward Something Bigger

Barcelona was where our vision took its very first breath. At iGB 2025, we partnered with Protectora.BCN is the only shelter in the city surviving without government funding. From the very start, the atmosphere felt different. Instead of being just another booth on the expo floor, our stand became a place of genuine connection — people stopped, listened, donated, and left knowing they had done something meaningful.

More than a hundred visitors decided to take part, each donation creating an instant impact. We doubled every contribution, which turned the total into more than €3,000. But the real highlight wasn’t the number; it was what those euros became. Food bags stacked higher than tables, medical supplies ready for urgent cases, cleaning products that made everyday care easier, and small but essential items that brought comfort to the animals.

Our team didn’t just write a check and walk away. We rolled up our sleeves, packed boxes, managed deliveries, and personally brought everything to the shelter. Some partners even joined us for the trip, spending the day with cats and dogs who greeted them with wagging tails and hopeful eyes. 

Thanks to our media friends, we captured it all on video — not as a polished PR piece, but as a heartfelt record of what kindness looks like in action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v_sTphwxtA&t=1740s

That day in Barcelona set the tone for everything that came after. It proved that generosity could become a collective force and that industry gatherings could leave a lasting mark on the cities that host them.

London: Creativity, Community, and Canine Friends

Encouraged by the success in Barcelona, we brought Stars Paws to London for the next chapter. This time, we aimed to raise the bar — not only in donations but also in the overall experience. That’s how our custom-print station was born. Guests could choose a funny meme, a personal pet photo, or a playful design, and within minutes, they walked away with a one-of-a-kind T-shirt. The booth became a mix of laughter, style, and generosity, proving once again that doing good can also be enjoyable.

Over two days, visitors donated €2,000, and we doubled it to €4,000 worth of help. Instead of sending the money, we delivered exactly what the shelter needed most: more than 100 kilograms of food, over 20 soft beds, essential medicines, hygiene products, leashes, and tasty treats. Some items we carried ourselves in overloaded cars, and others arrived directly at the shelter by delivery.

The most touching moment came when we visited All Dogs Matter, a small London shelter caring for around 30 dogs at a time. We spent hours surrounded by wagging tails, playful jumps, and sloppy kisses — and we even witnessed three families meeting their future companions for the first time. Watching dogs on the verge of finding forever homes made every effort worthwhile.

London also highlighted another truth: none of this would have been possible without the community. From fintech partners like PayAdmit to media allies across the industry, everyone’s support amplified the project’s reach and impact. Together, we turned an idea into a shared achievement — one that combined creativity, generosity, and genuine love for animals.

Why We Chose Abrigo Shelter

For our Lisbon chapter, we wanted to partner with a shelter that embodies both dedication and heart — and Abrigo is precisely that. Founded nearly three decades ago, this sanctuary has stood as a haven for countless abandoned dogs and cats who had nowhere else to go. Abrigo stands out not just for its long history but for its deep commitment: the team provides every animal with food, medical care, and the chance to feel safe again.

The Amigos da Abrigo Association, a group of volunteers and supporters, manages Abrigo today and carries on the mission with remarkable resilience. Without government funding to rely on, the shelter survives solely on donations and the goodwill of people who believe that every animal deserves a second chance. This independence makes their work both challenging and inspiring — every bag of food, every bottle of medicine, every blanket is the result of community support.

We chose Abrigo because its values mirror the spirit of Stars Paws. It is a place where hope is restored one paw at a time, and where every contribution truly counts. Supporting Abrigo means helping real animals with real needs, right here in Lisbon.

Wear Kindness: The Stars Paws Collection

Every donation to Stars Paws not only supports Abrigo Shelter but also gives you a chance to take home a piece of our limited-edition collection. Each item is designed with both style and meaning, so that when you wear it, you carry the message of compassion with you.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s waiting for you in Lisbon.

https://stars-partners.com/support-pets/

Hooded Sweatshirt (€50)

Comfort meets purpose in our signature hoodie. Bright blue, soft to the touch, and designed for everyday wear, it’s more than just an item of clothing — it’s a statement. With its minimalist cut and neon star detail, the sweatshirt pairs easily with jeans, joggers, or even layered over formal pieces for a bold, streetwear-inspired look. When you put it on, you don’t just feel warm — you show the world that kindness never goes out of style.

Dog Hoodie (€15)

Why should humans have all the fun? Our pet-sized hoodies are perfect for four-legged friends who want to look just as stylish. Designed with comfort in mind, they’re easy to slip on and allow complete freedom of movement. On a walk in the park or during a cozy nap at home, your pup will look adorable and proudly join the Stars Paws movement.

Crocs (€40)

Practical, playful, and absolutely iconic — our Crocs are a summer essential. Their bold blue shade makes them stand out, while the lightweight design keeps you comfortable from morning until night. At the beach, while running errands, or on a dog walk, these Crocs remind you — and everyone who sees them — that supporting animals can be both fun and functional.

T-shirt (€20)

Sometimes the simplest pieces are the most versatile. Our classic blue T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit, making it an easy match for any outfit. It’s breathable, casual, and perfect for warm days in Lisbon. Think of it as your everyday uniform for doing good — a reminder that small acts of kindness are a natural part of daily life.

Panama Hat (€15)

Bright green and boldly branded, our bucket hat is a showstopper. It’s stylish, lightweight, and perfect for sunny days, while also making you instantly recognizable as part of the Stars Paws community. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a playful nod to the idea that fashion can carry a message.

Hat for Dogs (€10)

Yes, pets can wear hats too — and they look adorable in them. We designed this tiny bucket hat for dogs with breathable fabric and an adjustable strap for comfort. It creates the perfect photo opportunity and reminds everyone that Stars Paws unites humans and animals.

Collar (€10)

Last but not least, our colorful collars combine durability with style. Available in bright green and blue, each comes with a custom tag that adds both flair and function. It’s not just about accessorizing your dog — it’s about showing that your pet, too, is part of a bigger movement toward kindness.

This collection is more than merch. It’s a way to wear your values, to let your style tell the world that you care. Every piece carries the promise of doubling the good — transforming your donation into food, medicine, and hope for animals at Abrigo.

Join Us and Be Part of Stars Paws in Lisbon

This year in Lisbon, Stars Paws is more than a charity stand — it’s a space where kindness meets community. We’re inviting everyone who cares about animals, from long-time partners to first-time visitors, to step in, join the cause, and make an immediate impact.

At our stand, every donation turns into twice the support. You choose your favorite piece of limited-edition merch, and your contribution instantly doubles, transforming into food, medicine, and supplies for Abrigo Shelter. It’s a simple act with powerful results — one that fills bowls, saves lives, and creates lasting change.

But Stars Paws is not just about giving. It’s about sharing moments — laughing together while customizing a hoodie, seeing your pet wear their new collar, or taking home Crocs that remind you of the animals you helped. Every item becomes a symbol of belonging to a movement where generosity and style go hand in hand.

We’re ready, our shelves are full, and our goal is clear: €3,000 in donations, doubled into €6,000 of real impact. All that’s missing is you. 

Find us at Stand F2 on September 18-19 at MEO Arena, Lisbon. Join Stars Paws, pick your merch, and let’s double the good together!