For many children and young people, it is a matter of course to play handball, soccer, gymnastics, horse riding, or something else entirely. But for some families, finances are an obstacle. Thanks to a donation from the Sol og Strand Foundation Sol og Strand Margit and Kjeld, the BROEN Lolland association now has the opportunity to help even more people pursue a leisure activity. The goal this year is to support around 400 children and young people.

"Receiving this donation is very important to us. With these funds, we can help children and young people who would otherwise be unable to participate in leisure activities," says Kirsten Boelsmand, chair of Broen Lolland.

The association works to ensure that vulnerable children and young people up to the age of 18 can participate in leisure activities on an equal footing with their peers. With the support of the fund, the association can pay for membership fees, tuition, clothing, and equipment, thereby giving children and young people a real opportunity to pursue the leisure activities that motivate them most.

Some of the children BROEN Lolland helps are unhappy for many different reasons. Some are lonely, bullied, suffer from anxiety, have ADHD, autism, or other diagnoses. Others experience crises in their family life due to divorce, abuse, violence, mental illness, etc.

"We also have refugees who have come to Denmark and don't know many people. By getting involved in a leisure activity, it becomes easier for them to integrate," says Kirsten Boelsmand, who has been a volunteer at BROEN Lolland since 2019.

Since 2014, BROEN Lolland has helped 1,450 children and young people in the municipality. Experience shows that leisure activities are often the first step towards improved self-esteem and new friendships.

"It means a great deal when we can give children the opportunity to find their place in a community and discover that there is something they are good at. It prevents loneliness and strengthens both self-confidence and well-being—and, in the long term, also the chances of doing well in school and in life," says Kirsten Boelsmand.