The Good Holiday Spirit campaign exceeded its target and gave away more food vouchers than planned

“Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Good Holiday Spirit collection took place in exceptional circumstances. This is why we are extremely pleased to receive more donations than we knew to expect, and we were able to give away many more food vouchers than was planned,” says Milla Kallionmaa, Secretary General of the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare.

The initial goal for the Good Holiday Spirit collection was to give away 21,000 food vouchers to families who have found themselves in financial difficulties. Eventually, as many as 25,000 vouchers were sent out.

“The coronavirus crisis has increased the number of families in need. We are delighted that we have been able to bring some Christmas spirit to so many families. The recipients of the vouchers have said their topmost feelings on receiving the gift were joy and gratitude. That is precisely what we organisers also feel, having exceeded the fundraising target so substantially,” says Kristiina Kumpula, Secretary General of the Finnish Red Cross.

Every donation counts

The donations to the campaign came from thousands of private individuals and hundreds of businesses.

“We want to thank everyone who donated to the Good Holiday Spirit campaign. Every donation counts and brings relief to families facing difficulties at this time,” Kalliomaa says.

The Good Holiday Spirit fundraising campaign was launched on 19 November and it ends on Christmas Eve. The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and the Finnish Red Cross organised the collection in collaboration with YLE for the 24th time. The campaign was generously supported by Lidl, S Group and Kesko. The proceeds of the collection were distributed as EUR 50 food vouchers for low-income families in Finland.

Further information
Eveliina Kutila, Communications Manager, eveliina.kutila(a)mll.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 580 2393
Arja-Liisa Mauno, Organisational Manager, arja-liisa.mauno(a)mll.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 584 5176
Maaret Alaranta, social welfare coordinator, maaret.alaranta(a)redcross.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 358 3257