Secretary General Pernille Gry Petersen was delighted to receive the news that the Sol og Strand and Sol og Strand Foundation had decided to donate DKK 100,000 to the organization's work to create better conditions for vulnerable children and young people to enjoy a good childhood.

"This donation means a great deal to our work. We are a civil society organization that is heavily dependent on donations," says Pernille Gry Petersen.

A carefree childhood is far from a given for everyone. Many children and young people today grow up in difficult social circumstances and lead vulnerable lives filled with deprivation.

Together with our member organizations, we work every day to improve the lives of more than 100,000 children and young people. These are children who are in particular need of someone to speak up for them, says the Secretary General.

Can't afford food

The Joint Council for Children's Issues is Denmark's oldest children's rights organization and is an umbrella organization for a total of 18 other member organizations, all of which work for the rights of children and young people to grow up in good and safe environments.

These are families with children living in poverty, children and young people placed outside the home, children who are relatives of substance abusers, or children and young people who generally grow up in challenging and vulnerable circumstances.

Through our member organizations, we have the opportunity to gain unique insight into the area of children's welfare, as we can draw on their knowledge, expertise, and practical experience. We receive powerful testimonies from organizations that, for example, visit homes where there is no money for food, and people who are unable to buy essential medicine. We have children who cannot afford to attend birthday parties and therefore become isolated, says Pernille Gry Petersen.

Currently, the Children's Act, which came into force on January 1, 2024, is a major focus of the organization's work. The Act aims to strengthen children's rights in a number of areas and means that children are granted party status when they reach the age of ten.

"The intention behind the 'Child Act' is good, but it can be difficult to implement the new legislation in everyday municipal life, which is already under pressure and lacks the necessary resources. For the Joint Council for Children's Issues, it is important to ensure that the legal rights of vulnerable children and families are fully upheld," says Pernille Gry Petersen.

Larger amounts for distribution

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.

"With this fund, we have secured the future of Sol og Strand , which we have always referred to as our 'third child', while also realizing our dream of helping to make a difference for others," says Kjeld Andersen.

"We are delighted to be able to support an organization such as the Joint Council for Children's Issues. With more than 100,000 children and young people in vulnerable positions, there is a need to work to ensure that they can enjoy a good childhood. Hopefully, this donation will contribute to this important work," says Margit Andersen.

In total, the fund has donated just under three million kroner this year, and this amount is expected to increase in the future.

"The fund is a guiding star for the employees of Sol og Strand A/S, and we want to make a difference in the world around us by supporting local and charitable causes. The better we do at Sol og Strand, the greater the impact on the foundation and its work, says Per Dam, CEO of Sol og Strand A/S.