The association is planning a Christmas party for specially invited families with children, for whom the holiday season is overshadowed by financial worries—and by the fact that they cannot create a Christmas celebration as most people know it.

– For many families, December is a difficult month marked by worries and deprivation. At Raise for Kids, we want to make a difference for these families. That is why we are once again holding a Christmas event for vulnerable families this year, where we expect to gather around 140 guests, including volunteers from the association, says volunteer fundraiser and board member Malene Højbjerre.

The Christmas party will take place on December 19 at Tech College and will feature festively decorated rooms, Christmas food, a Christmas tree, bingo, Santa Claus, candy bags, and a bag of gifts for families to take home and unwrap on Christmas Eve. Students from the chef, waiter, and receptionist programs at Tech College will prepare the food and serve it—an effort that creates a festive atmosphere, learning opportunities, and a sense of community.

The Sol og Strand Foundation Sol og Strand Margit and Kjeld, has supported the event with a donation of DKK 25,000, which will help to create a cozy Christmas Eve with all the trimmings.

This is the fourth time we have held the Christmas party, and it is an important day for the families. We can both see and feel the joy and gratitude – the participants really appreciate the experience, the togetherness, and being with others. Many families have now created a network that extends beyond the Christmas party, and that is valuable, says Malene Højbjerre.

For the second year in a row, the association will also distribute Christmas boxes to around 60 families in financial need. Raise for Kids sponsors the purchase of ingredients, and Tech College prepares the food so that it is easy for families to cook at home.

"We can see that this is very important to the families, and our impression is that the students at Tech College enjoy being part of making a difference," says Malene Højbjerre.

Help for self-help
In addition to the Christmas party, Raise for Kids organizes a number of activities throughout the year, including holiday camps and trips to Aalborg Zoo and Fårup Sommerland. The association also distributes clothing, shoes, toys, and gift cards for grocery stores, and holds financial evenings with advice. Volunteers with legal and financial backgrounds also help families gain a better overview and support them in becoming more self-reliant.

"It's not that parents don't want the best for their children, but there can be many reasons why they are struggling and don't have a firm footing," says Malene Højbjerre, who has been with the association since its inception in 2020.

– My volunteer work is driven by the fact that I can see we are making a difference.