A breather and community for those affected by illness: Fonden Sol og Strand supports Vejlefjords Venner
Fonden Sol og Strand, founded by Margit og Kjeld, has just donated 10,000 kroner to the volunteer association "Vejlefjords Venner," which works to create joy and community for people with acquired brain injuries.
There was great joy when the treasurer of Vejlefjords Venner, Laust Mensel, received the news that the association's application had been approved. The funds will go towards the association's traditional Leaf Fall Gathering, which takes place at Hotel Vejlefjord and gathers around 60 participants from across the country.
– These are funds that are crucial for us to carry out the event, says Laust Mensel.
The Leaf Fall Gathering is a two-day stay with folk high school-like experiences such as music, lectures, and social interaction.
– Many of the participants have been on a rehabilitation stay at Hotel Vejlefjord, and the gathering provides both them and their relatives with an opportunity to have an experience and a breather in an often stressful everyday life. For some, it is the only trip of the year outside their home. Here, all talk of illness, politics, and religion is banned – instead, we celebrate community and togetherness, says Laust Mensel, adding that it is also an opportunity to be with others who are in the same situation and where the event is tailored to individual needs.
– For example, it doesn't help to serve a red steak if one cannot cut the meat. Therefore, everything from accessibility to catering has been carefully considered.
Vejlefjords Venner, which is entirely run by volunteers, was established in 1993 and today has around 120 members from all over the country. The association's purpose is to inspire new activities, courses, and folk high school-like events for people with acquired brain injuries and their relatives.
Laust Mensel became involved in the association's work when his wife underwent surgery for a brain tumor in 1997 and subsequently stayed at Vejlefjord.
– I have been the treasurer of the association for 20 years, and although it can sometimes be demanding, it is fully compensated by the joy I can see in the eyes of the members when we meet, he says.
In general, it comes naturally to Laust Mensel to engage in volunteer work. He has been a volunteer at Tønder Festival for 49 years and is also the chairman of A93 in Tønder – a social sports association for people with acquired brain injuries, with around 100 members.
– The reward for the volunteer work is to see the smile in others' eyes, he says.