Temperatures are dropping, but the prices of heating and eating are failing to do the same, making Christmas shopping a luxury more and more Danish families cannot afford.

This is evident in the significant rise in families requesting holiday help from the social aid organisation Blå Kors Danmark. 

An unfortunate record
With less than a week to go before the November 24 application deadline, a record 9,700 families have already applied for help in Denmark – nearly 1,100 more than last year. The capital region alone has seen 2,256 claims, surpassing the previous record of 1,993 set last year. 

“We know from the families we meet in our work that many skip a meal to save money. Many find that the money they receive has run out, even before the month [of December] begins,” commented Blå Kors Danmark spokesperson Thomas Røddik Korneliussen.

Help wanted
Blå Kors Danmark provides aid to families with children under the age of 18. Assistance comes in the form of a 500 kroner gift card to Lidl (up from 400 in years past due to inflation) and a 200 kroner gift card to Blå Kors thrift shops. 

In addition to receiving support from Ole Kirk’s Fond and Lidl, Blå Kors Danmark accepts donations from private citizens.

“We need every penny to be able to help as many families as possible,” pleaded Korneliussen.

As it is right now, unfortunately, we are far from being able to help all families. We need a good final spurt of contributions from both ordinary Danes and companies. All money goes uncut to Christmas aid.”