– We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to celebrate their birthday. We know that not everyone has the resources to hold or prepare a birthday party for their children, says Anne Marie Vogt, who is the treasurer at Mødrehjælpen in Thisted.

– We are in contact with around 100 families in the Thy area who need extraordinary support for outings and Christmas assistance. Every year, we distribute cake men and a gift card to our local toy store to around 30 children, which shows that there is a need for help. We naturally set requirements for the families' financial situations, so the help goes to those who need it the most, she explains, adding that the initiative covers the entire Thy area, and that the volunteers are helpful in delivering the cake man directly to institutions in the Thisted area.

The department in Thisted, which opened in 2018, is part of the nationwide organization 'Fonden Mødrehjælpen' and is run by about 35 dedicated volunteers. The association works to help families with children and pregnant women in vulnerable situations through various offers and activities. Assistance is provided, among other things, for starter packages for pregnant women, help for outings for families with children, tickets to the circus, swimming, and theater, ensuring good experiences for the families.

– In addition to the income from sales in our store in Thisted, we rely on donations. Therefore, this donation is very important for our work, says Anne Marie Vogt, who is a trained social worker, where she primarily worked with families with children.

Two years ago, she left the labor market, and instead, she is now a volunteer at Mødrehjælpen and also involved with the Red Cross.

– I have always had a desire to do volunteer work, and there is great joy in helping and doing something for others, she says.

Families in Thy who need help celebrating their children's birthdays can apply for support through Mødrehjælpen's website: Mødrehjælpen Thisted