The association is planning a Christmas party for specially invited families with children, for whom the holiday is overshadowed by concerns about finances – and about not being able to create a Christmas celebration like most people know it.

– For many families, December is a heavy month marked by worries and sacrifices. At Raise for Kids, we want to make a difference for these families. Therefore, we are once again hosting a Christmas event for disadvantaged families, 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 a festively decorated venue, Christmas food, a Christmas tree, bingo games, Santa Claus, candy bags, and a bag of gifts that families can take home to unwrap on Christmas Eve. Students from the culinary, serving, and receptionist programs at Tech College will prepare the food and handle the serving – an effort that creates both a festive atmosphere, learning, and community.

Community with others
Fonden Sol og Strand, represented by Margit and Kjeld, has supported the event with 25,000 kroner, which helps make it possible to create a cozy Christmas Eve with everything that comes with it.

– This is the fourth time we are hosting the Christmas party, and it is a day that is important for the families. We both see and feel the joy and gratitude – the participants greatly appreciate the experience, the companionship, and the closeness with others. Many families have gradually 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 financially struggling families. Raise for Kids sponsors the purchase of groceries, and Tech College prepares the food, making it easy for families to prepare it at home.

– We can see that it has a significant impact on 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 is behind a number of activities throughout the year – including holiday camps, trips to Aalborg Zoo, and Fårup Sommerland. The association also distributes clothing, shoes, toys, and gift cards for grocery stores, as well as hosting financial evenings with advice. Volunteers with legal and financial backgrounds also help families create a better overview and support them in becoming more self-sufficient.

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

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