The Julemærkefonden has been running Julemærkehjem for disadvantaged children across the country for over 100 years. Through community, play, movement, healthy food, and other activities, the children experience an uplift in their physical, social, and mental health.

Therefore, the Julemærkefonden is pleased that with a donation of 100,000 kroner from 'Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit og Kjeld', it can also host nearly 1000 children at one of the five Julemærkehjem in 2023.
-We are very happy and grateful for the donation of 100,000 kroner that 'Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit og Kjeld' has donated to the Julemærkefonden, says director Søren Ravn Jensen, Julemærkefonden.
-Too many children struggle with bullying, loneliness, and low self-esteem. They need help to rediscover their worth and the joy of life. A child who thrives has far better conditions for being included in the community and does better in life, says Søren Ravn Jensen.
-Our outcome documentation shows that a stay at a Julemærkehjem significantly improves the children's quality of life.
-A stay at a Julemærkehjem often marks the beginning of a new start for the child and the family. It is the child who goes to the Julemærkehjem, but the stay involves the whole family. This is crucial for the child to achieve their goals and for the positive results to be anchored in a new lifestyle when the children return home.
-The children stay at the Julemærkehjem for 10 weeks. During the stay, the child receives support for both mental and physical health, and there is schooling in small groups of 5-6 students. There is movement, play, healthy food, and other activities on the program every day, where the community with the other children is highly valued. We support the children in achieving personal victories and in regaining their self-esteem and finding a positive self-image, says the director of the Julemærkefonden, Søren Ravn Jensen.

“HOLIDAY WITH A GOOD HEART” – THE SURPLUS BENEFITS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

It is unique in the Danish tourism industry that part of the surplus from Sol og Strand's rental of summer houses and holiday homes is converted into support for charitable and local purposes.

The chairman of the foundation's board, Jens Stadum, is pleased that the homeowners, holiday guests, and employees of Sol og Strand have contributed input to the process:
-We are quite proud that we can again, for the third year in a row, distribute one million kroner to charitable purposes. For we can see from the applications we receive – and from the feedback we get from the previous year's recipients of donations from the foundation – that the donations make an important difference for many people. These are organizations that truly help many of those who are struggling, and our donations go to them. There is a real need for this money. And this applies both in Denmark and outside Danish borders, says the chairman of the board.
-We can say with a clear conscience that when you take a holiday through Sol og Strand, you contribute to doing something good for others. This is what we call 'Holiday with a Good Heart,' says Jens Stadum.

FOUNDERS OF THE FOUNDATION: SOL OG STRAND MUST REMAIN DANISH – AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

It is the founders of Sol og Strand Feriehusudlejning A/S, Margit and Kjeld Andersen, who established 'Fonden Sol og Strand ved Margit og Kjeld' in 2019.
The couple had a dual wish – namely both to preserve and continue to develop Sol og Strand in Danish hands, but also to ensure that the company's profits primarily go to charitable and humanitarian purposes.
-We can see that others greatly benefit from the money we channel through the foundation to humanitarian and charitable purposes. We are confirmed in this when we see the long line of qualified applications that have come to the foundation again this year, says Kjeld Andersen.

It has been 43 years since he, together with his wife Margit Andersen, established Sol og Strand Feriehusudlejning.

Margit Andersen adds:
-It is clear that the applications come from organizations that are passionate about making a difference. And that is what matters to us. We are very satisfied to see the quality of the work we donate money to, and we feel really good about being able to help, says Margit Andersen.

FURTHER COMMENTS:

Søren Ravn Jensen, director of the Julemærkefonden, phone 33 13 37 45

Jens Stadum, chairman of the board of 'Fonden Sol og Strand ved Margit og Kjeld', tel. 40856733

Kristian Andersen, PR and press manager at Sol og Strand Feriehusudlejning A/S, tel. 40293837