Blue Cross Denmark distributes help at Christmas to families on public benefits with children under 18 living at home. The organisation gives priority to single parents on the lowest levels of public benefits. The Christmas assistance consists of a voucher for DKK 700 to spend at a convenience store, to enable the family to supplement their Christmas shopping.

“In recent years there has been a drastic increase in the number of applicants for help at Christmas. Since 2020 the number of applicants has gone up from 7,400 to more than 21,200 last year. The increase is a sign that many families are still struggling due to inflation, which means higher food prices and fixed expenses,” says Morten Skov Mogensen from Blue Cross Denmark.

He continues: “The recent cash benefit reform has just come into effect, and it can also put pressure on these families. So this year we expect the number of applications will increase, or at least remain at the same level as last year. That is why support from a fund like the Vissing Foundation is so extremely important.”