Chairwoman Bente Kruse was delighted to receive the news that the Sol og Strand and Sol og Strand Foundation had decided to donate DKK 50,000 to the association's work to give vulnerable children and young people in Lolland Municipality the opportunity to take part in active leisure activities.

"BROEN Lolland depends on donations and voluntary contributions, and with this donation we can help more children and young people with fees for leisure activities," says Bente Kruse.

BROEN Lolland, established in 2014, is one of a total of 33 local associations under BROEN Danmark, which helps vulnerable children and young people up to the age of 18 to enjoy an active everyday life in local leisure activities.

"These are children and young people from families with financial difficulties, and they are referred to us by employees of Lolland Municipality, such as teachers, educators, and case workers," says Bente Kruse.

The rewards of volunteering

In 2023 alone, BROEN Lolland has helped 468 children pay for membership fees for leisure activities, purchase necessary equipment and clothing, or participate in activities such as scout camps, soccer schools, handball cups, etc.

We receive many comments from families who are very grateful that we give their children the opportunity to become part of the community that exists in an association. It means a lot to each individual to experience the friendship that develops when you are involved in a leisure activity together. What's more, the children feel that they can join in when their classmates talk about going to sports, scouts, or something else," says Bente Kruse, who has been a volunteer in the local club since it was founded.

She worked as a teacher for many years, but in 2014 she decided to take early retirement, shortly after being asked to participate in the establishment of BROEN Lolland. There are currently five members on the board, but Bente Kruse hopes that more volunteers will come forward and take part in this important work.

"It has been and continues to be very rewarding to be part of BROEN Lolland. It is a joy to receive all the positive feedback from families, which indicates that we are helping to make a difference. It is also a pleasure to work with others who are passionate about the same cause and to feel that we are making progress," she says.

A dream come true

In 1979, Margit and Kjeld Andersen established Sol og Strand A/S. The couple has now transferred ownership to a foundation based on a desire to preserve and develop the company in Danish hands and to support charitable and local causes.

"We are delighted to be able to support an organization such as BROEN Lolland, which is run by volunteers with the aim of giving vulnerable children and young people the opportunity to become part of an active leisure life. This helps to create communities and prevent loneliness among children and young people, say Margit and Kjeld Andersen.