– This is a donation that means an incredible amount for the finances of a small organization like ours, says the secretary general of Børnesagens Fællesråd, Esben de Place.

Børnesagens Fællesråd was established in 1903 and today includes a total of 18 member organizations, all working to ensure that poor and vulnerable children have a safe and good childhood. With the donation from "Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit og Kjeld", it becomes possible to help both in the short term with, for example, Christmas assistance for struggling families and in the long term, where the goal is to destigmatize poverty.

– It is difficult to relate to poverty, and unfortunately, there is still a perception that poverty is self-inflicted. That is not the case – poverty can affect anyone, and the people we meet would gladly change their life situation if possible. We are talking about families who have been affected by illness or an accident, which has meant that they have been cut off from the labor market with poor finances as a result. We have single parents with children who each month have to decide whether to buy food, a winter jacket, or the necessary ADHD medication, says Esben de Place, who estimates that around 60,000 children live in poverty as of 2020.

– A study conducted by Rune Lesner shows that children who have lived in poverty risk lower attachment to the labor market and lower educational levels. In addition to human considerations, there is also a socio-economic perspective in combating poverty. We want to create understanding that poverty is not a choice and create an incentive for politicians to seriously address this issue, says Esben de Place.

In addition to ensuring increased political focus on poverty in families, the donation will also be used for initiatives concerning foster children and youth.

– Involuntary placement is a severe intervention in a child's and family's life and is also one of the most complicated areas for social workers. The current efforts are not functioning optimally, and it is therefore necessary to rethink them. If we can simultaneously help families living in stress and worry due to poverty, I believe we can reduce the number of placements in the long run, says Esben de Place.

Sol og Strand Holiday Home Rental transitioned to foundation ownership in 2019. According to plan, "Fonden Sol og Strand by Margit and Kjeld," which is currently under construction, was not supposed to start distributing funds for charitable purposes until 2022. However, the fund's board has decided to distribute one million already this year.

– This is the first time we are distributing from the fund, and the board has selected a total of ten organizations, each receiving 100,000 kroner. This time, the selection has been based on the wishes of the fund's founders, Margit and Kjeld Andersen. Going forward, distributions will be based on applications we receive, says the fund's chairman, Jens Stadum.

The couple Margit and Kjeld Andersen are pleased that they now have the opportunity to realize a dream they have had for many years for Sol og Strand Holiday Home Rental A/S, which they founded in 1979. The couple started by renting out their own summer house, and the company now manages the rental of around 6,500 Danish holiday homes, making it one of the largest Danish rental agencies.

In November 2019, they transferred ownership of Sol og Strand Holiday Home Rental A/S to the commercial foundation, which aims to support charitable and local causes. From 2022/23, the expectation is that the foundation will be able to distribute up to 75 percent of the profits from Sol og Strand Holiday Home Rental to these purposes annually. Thus, by choosing to rent out your summer house or book a holiday stay through Sol og Strand Holiday Home Rental, you are indirectly helping to make a difference for others.

The company calls this "Holidays with a Good Heart," and it is entirely in line with Margit and Kjeld Andersen's wishes and hopes for the business.

– By establishing this fund, we ensure that our life's work of renting out Danish holiday homes continues in Danish hands and is not sold to, for example, a foreign capital fund. We are pleased that it is possible to distribute funds ahead of schedule and that the fund can support an organization like Børnesagens Fællesråd, which fights for children's rights and carries out a socially beneficial effort, say Margit and Kjeld Andersen.