This year, however, the chairperson of the board at Mødrehjælpen Aalborg expects that it will be possible to increase the number of tickets distributed on a 'first come, first served' basis.

– Even though we have a really good collaboration with Aalborg Zoo, including favorable entrance terms, there are many expenses associated with this day. Thanks to this donation, I expect that we can give twice as many children and adults the opportunity to participate in the event, says Marianne Stokbro, who hopes it will be possible to send 160 people on a trip to Aalborg Zoo.

The Christmas event takes place in early December, and this is the fourth time that Mødrehjælpen Aalborg organizes the popular Christmas trip, which is a bit out of the ordinary, says the chairperson.

– We start the event by gathering in a Christmas-decorated auditorium, which Aalborg Zoo provides for us. Here we sing a couple of Christmas songs, and goodie bags are distributed, along with a gift card for a small Christmas gift for the children, after which everyone goes out into the atmospheric garden, which is exceptionally beautiful leading up to Christmas, says Marianne Stokbro.

Every year, Mødrehjælpen holds several events aimed at families who struggle to participate without financial support. It is an important effort, emphasizes Marianne Stokbro.

– A trip to Aalborg Zoo is an experience many children get, but which is almost unattainable for our target group. Therefore, it means a lot to the children that they can go to kindergarten or school and talk about their experiences and feel that they also have something to contribute, she says.

Around 80 volunteers are involved in Mødrehjælpens work, and they handle a wide range of tasks within the organization.

– We have volunteers who help with IT, others who participate in the store operations in many different ways, some who knit for our store in Danmarksgade, etc., says Marianne Stokbro, who became part of the volunteer team in 2018.

When she left the labor market, she was convinced that part of her newfound free time should be spent at Mødrehjælpen, where she has been involved since 2018.

– Through my work, I have met several families who have needed a helping hand. Therefore, I knew that if I were to be a volunteer, I would dedicate my efforts to Mødrehjælpen, she says and continues.

– It brings me joy deep in my heart to be able to help someone. Moreover, it gives me the opportunity to become part of a community with the other volunteers, and therefore it makes sense socially as well, says Marianne Stokbro.