An extraordinary experience is in store when Aalborg Ice Hockey Club (Aalborg Pirates), Cool East, and Skalborg Sports Club's handball division gather vulnerable families and individuals on December 20 for a day filled with community, experiences, and Christmas cheer at Gigantium in Aalborg.

"We sent out invitations through Aalborg Municipality, residential facilities, and a number of NGOs, and within 14 days, all 960 seats were gone," says Peter Lauritsen, development manager at Aalborg Ice Hockey Club.

This is the second year in a row that the four associations are holding the event, which is entitled "Everyone has the right to a good Christmas."

"Guests can expect an event-based day, and we look forward to giving everyone a great experience," says Peter Lauritsen, adding that it is an event that makes sense for all parties involved.

– This is an event that means a lot to the participants. We could have chosen to hand out bags of Christmas aid, for example, but by holding this event, we create experiences and good memories and lay the foundation for positive social communities with others.

The event begins at 3:30 p.m. with a welcome speech by the mayor of Aalborg Municipality, Lasse Frimand (S). A delicious Christmas menu will be served, and Santa Claus will be handing out candy bags to the children. There will also be an opportunity to watch an ice hockey game between the Aalborg Pirates and the Rødovre Mighty Bulls.

In addition, there will be a Christmas bingo game with prizes, for which an agreement has been made with a now nationally known Aalborg resident who has agreed to be the caller.

"We have asked Finn Lund Nyby from the TV 2 program 'Balladen om kolonihaven' to announce the numbers," says Peter Lauritsen.

Volunteers from the associations will take care of the practical aspects of the big Christmas event, and a number of students from Aalborg schools will also help to ensure that the big event runs smoothly and to everyone's satisfaction.

– Aalborg Pirates, in collaboration with Aalborg Municipality, we have launched a social project to help young people in vulnerable positions find part-time jobs. The project involves students in grades 7, 8, and 9 in Aalborg Municipality, who are affiliated with the club for a three-month period, during which they are given specific tasks and are equipped to take on a job outside the club, explains Peter Lauritsen.

Wishing you a pleasant and memorable day

In December, the Sol og Strand Foundation, Sol og Strand Margit and Kjeld, will distribute around DKK 2.5 million to a total of 17 associations and organizations across the country. The event "Everyone has the right to a good Christmas" will receive DKK 50,000, which will cover the costs of hall rental, entertainment with music, Santa Claus, and candy bags.

"For many people, the holiday season can be a financial challenge—especially if they are already struggling financially. That's why I'm delighted that the foundation is able to support an event like this, and I hope that everyone has a wonderful and memorable day," says Margit Andersen, who founded the foundation five years ago together with her late husband.