The organization Rett Fram experiences helps disadvantaged families for Christmas every year, but this year it is a little different.
Earlier this month, influencer and TV profile Mads Hansen started a Spleis to raise money for the organisation.
The goal was initially to collect NOK 100,000.
The amount has now reached a staggering NOK 5.5 million.
– Overwhelming
Organizational leader for Rett Fram Experiences, Ronny Johnsen, tells TV 2 that they are surprised by the response they have received.
– The splice has meant a lot. It means that we get an opportunity to fulfill many Christmas present wishes and the opportunity to help many more people. To everyone who has given, this is overwhelming for us and the families, says Johnsen.
GIFTS: Several families in need of help receive both gifts and food on the big drive-out day. Photo: Magnus Nøkland / TV 2
Delivering gifts
Two days before Christmas is the big departure day. Johnsen states that they have helped approximately 200 families before this day, but that gifts will be delivered to approximately 200 families this evening as well.
Two of the volunteers are Ann-Katrin Toresen and her daughter Michelle Toresen (14). They take part in giving out presents every year, but noticed this time that it is a little different.
VOLUNTEERS: Daughter Michelle Toresen is with mother Ann-Kristin Toresen on today’s route in Drammen. Photo: Magnus Nøkland / TV 2
– We want to contribute and help because there is a need and I unfortunately see that the need is increasing and increasing. And this year there have been an enormous number of inquiries in December alone. So then it is important to show up, says Toresen.
UNBELIEVABLE: The splicing Mads Hansen started has reached NOK 5.5 million. Photo: Ingvild Gjerdsjø / TV 2
Daughter Michelle (14) has been involved since she was eight years old and finds it surprising to see how many people need help.
– It is important to help because not everyone has the same opportunities, and all children should have the opportunity to receive presents and celebrate Christmas, she says.
Mads Hansen himself tells TV 2 that it is unbelievable that the amount has become so large.
– It shows that this is something that affects many people. I myself remember how much I looked forward to Christmas as a child, and the thought that there are children who dread Christmas because mum and dad don’t have enough money is heartbreaking, he says.
Looking forward
For Ronny Johnsen and the organisation, this money does not only help at Christmas, but also for a long time to come,
– We will continue to a greater extent than we have done before, and now we will have the opportunity to do more as well. When Christmas is over, there is more to do and there will be for a long time to come, but now we have to take Christmas first, says Johnsen
