An anonymous donation can save Christmas – Christmas collection by parishes in the capital region inspired people to help

The Gift for Your Neighbour -campaign collected gift cards primarily for the purchase of Christmas food and gifts. The gift cards have been distributed and will continue to be distributed through diaconal work to low-income families and people living alone.

Approximately 2,200 gift cards were received, with a total value of over €100,000. Sixteen parishes reported that the collection results were the same or better than a year ago, while eight parishes reported a decrease. (The parish collection was previously known as Rakenna joulupuu (Build a Christmas Tree). Last year the number and value of gift cards were slightly lower, but at that time some parishes collected Christmas packages in addition to gift cards, so the figures are not entirely comparable.)

Donations are a significant help to low-income families at Christmas. "My Christmas has been saved," is the feedback from many grateful and even moved recipients.

The joy of giving is evident among donors, according to the parishes. For many donors, participating in the collection has become an established and important part of their Christmas preparations. "Many say they are aware of the current economic situation and therefore want to remember children in particular," says Petri Lehtisalo, a diaconal worker at the Leppävaara parish.

New clients are seeking diaconal assistance

Without exception, parishes report that people's situations are becoming more difficult and that the number of people seeking help is growing. New clients arrive every week. "Many people are struggling with housing costs, which makes it difficult to pay rent and leads to rent arrears, which in turn leads to the threat of eviction. The need for food assistance among students has also increased. A new phenomenon is that social and health care professionals have become unemployed”, says diaconal worker Pauliina Alanko from the Espoo Cathedral Parish. 

Karoliina Hämäläinen, a diaconal worker at the Herttoniemi parish, notes that there were more families with children than before among those applying for Christmas assistance. "There is more concern about livelihood, rent arrears, the threat of eviction, and hopelessness. More and more people cannot afford medication.”

The data was collected from parishes between December 8 and 15, 2025. Donations have also been received after this date. Some of the donations will be delivered to the recipients in the new year.

The Evangelic Lutheran Church’s diaconal work also allots grants from its own funds and distributes large quantities of gift cards and food donated by the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, Save the Children, Lions Clubs, and the Martha Association at Christmas time.

The Church’s diaconal work also delivers bags containing items such as coffee and chocolate, as well as woollen socks.

Further information:

Espoo

Diaconal worker Pauliina Alanko, Espoo Cathedral Parish

Diaconal worker Petri Lehtisalo, Leppävaara parish

Helsinki

Diaconal worker Karoliina Hämäläinen, Herttoniemi parish

Kauniainen

Diaconal worker Sonja Holkerinoja, Kauniainen Finnish parish

Vantaa

Diaconal worker Karoliina Leikkari, Vantaankoski parish