With this donation, the foundation wishes to support the work carried out by the organization – both for young volunteers and for families affected by illness.

"This donation is crucial to our ability to further develop our efforts in Aarhus and Aalborg," says Charlotte Thyberg, founder and director of Det Kærlige Måltid.

She founded the organization in 2018 after experiencing firsthand how serious illness affects the entire family. When her mother fell ill in 2016, even basic tasks such as cooking became an overwhelming burden. Simply ordering ready-made meals ended up being a challenge.

"She only had the energy to think about her next examination and her medication," says Charlotte Thyberg, who drew inspiration for the organization during a visit to the Ceres Community Project in California.

Charlotte Thyberg chose to give up her permanent job to realize her vision, and since then, the organization has prepared and delivered more than 130,000 meals to families affected by illness—with the help of more than 900 volunteers.

A strong community

Det Kærlige Måltid (The Loving Meal) works toward two primary goals: to deliver nutritious, homemade meals to families and individuals affected by serious illness or trauma, and to support young people aged 15-25, including vulnerable youth, in taking control of their own lives and health through volunteer work.

"Our goal is for 20 percent of our young volunteers to be vulnerable young people who are struggling with unhappiness, loneliness, anxiety, or depression. With us, they become part of an inclusive community where there is a sense of togetherness and conversation about the work in the kitchen," says Charlotte Thyberg.

Twice a week, volunteers gather in the organization's kitchens in Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense, where they prepare and package meals together. In addition to the "Loving Cooks," the volunteer group also consists of "Loving Preppers," who prepare vegetables, and "Loving Couriers," who are responsible for delivery.

"It is a joy to witness the change and well-being that occurs in each individual. They feel that they are needed—that they make a difference to others and that they become an important part of a meaningful community," says Charlotte Thyberg.

Among other things, she tells the story of a young man who was struggling when he joined Det Kærlige Måltid. He suffered from anxiety and was mentally unstable. Today, he is pursuing an education—and still volunteers with the organization.

Currently, 350 volunteers are affiliated with Det Kærlige Måltid, but the aim is to include more so that even more families affected by illness can receive help in their difficult everyday lives.

"It takes a lot of resources to run three departments, and we are heavily dependent on support from foundations, companies, and private individuals. Without help, we cannot do what we do," says Charlotte Thyberg.