Every step of this journey is for animals who deserve safety, care, and a second chance.
From April 1–6, Melissa Michalopoulou, President of the Calilo Foundation, and her twin sister, Aria Michalopoulou, a fellow member of the Foundation, will walk 120 kilometers to raise funds for A Little Shelter, a non-profit animal rescue organisation based in Athens, Greece. Joined by three close friends, the group will undertake this five-day journey to raise funds and awareness for abandoned and vulnerable animals and support the shelter working tirelessly to care for them.
At the Calilo Foundation, our work is guided by the enduring principles of kindness and compassion.
Across Greece, thousands of animals are abandoned and neglected every year, most often left without shelter,
food, or medical attention. Organisations such as A Little Shelter rescue animals from neglect or danger,
providing essential medical care and rehabilitation, and offering the patience and long-term support
those animals need to recover and have a real chance at a better life.
Through this initiative, we hope to support their continued efforts and help provide the
resources necessary to care for animals who need protection, treatment, and a second chance.
A Little Shelter is a dedicated animal rescue organisation based in Athens, Greece, committed to protecting and caring for abandoned and vulnerable animals.
Through the tireless work of its founder, staff, and volunteers, the shelter provides rescued animals with food, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe environment while they wait for permanent homes.
Every day, the team works to give animals a second chance at life, often taking in cases of severe neglect, abandonment, and animals in extremely urgent need of care.
Over the years, more than 1,000 animals have been adopted through A Little Shelter’s efforts, giving abused and neglected animals a second chance at life and love.
Their mission goes far beyond rescue. It is rooted in compassion, responsibility, and the belief that every animal deserves dignity, protection, and care.
The funds raised through this 120km fundraising walk will directly support their ongoing efforts to care for animals in need.
From April 1–6, the five walkers will undertake a 120-kilometer journey on behalf of the Calilo Foundation, to raise funds and awareness for the animals cared for by A Little Shelter.
Together, they will walk a multi-day route along the Via Francigena, Italy, dedicating each step to raising awareness and support for animal welfare.
This walk is both a physical challenge and a meaningful act of solidarity with the animals who depend on the shelter for safety, care, and a chance at a better life.
This walk follows a previous fundraising initiative undertaken by the same group…
Last year, the same five walkers completed a 280-kilometer journey along the Camino de Santiago, raising funds for Save the Children UK and supporting programs that protect vulnerable children around the world.
That journey demonstrated the power of collective effort and community support. This year, the mission continues.
Daily food and care for rescued animals
Veterinary treatment and medical care
Shelter, safety, and rehabilitation
Continued rescue and protection efforts
Every contribution helps provide vital care, safety, and protection for rescued animals.
All donations will be matched by the Calilo Foundation. Your donation will be doubled!
The 120km journey represents more than distance… it represents compassion,
commitment, and solidarity with the animals who depend on A Little Shelter.
You can become part of this journey by sponsoring one or more kilometers of the walk.
Each kilometer sponsored helps provide food, care, and medical support for rescued animals.
For every kilometer you sponsor, Calilo Foundation will match it
doubling the help we can give rescued animals.
Sponsorship Example:
Donate €50 = Sponsor 1km
→ Calilo Foundation will match your €50
→ €100 will be donated to A Little Shelter
Supporters who sponsor our walk will be acknowledged throughout the journey
Every kilometer you sponsor will be celebrated with live updates and Instagram
shoutouts as a thank you for walking with us in spirit !
We are deeply grateful for everyone who chooses to support this initiative.
With your help, and through the Calilo Foundation’s commitment to matching every
donation, we can create meaningful change for the animals cared for by A Little Shelter.
Together, we walk in kindness for animals in need.
— Calilo Foundation
