Malmö charity sees increase in need for help during Christmas season
The Skåne City Mission in Malmö is seeing a surge in demand for help as the Christmas season approaches, with more people seeking assistance due to increased poverty and financial strain. The charity, which also functions as a nurse’s office and Christmas gift workshop, is being inundated with requests for assistance as more families struggle to make ends meet.
According to Lisa-Lo Sonnesjö, a sociologist at the organization, 300 places at the upcoming Christmas parties were booked within just two days. The charity’s Young Forum department has seen a 100% increase in visitors during family meetings since last year’s economic crisis, indicating the growing need for support in the community.
Rakel Thunander, the unit manager at the Skåne City Mission, reported that appointments to pick up donated clothes are fully booked until February, highlighting the high demand for basic necessities such as clothing support. The charity aims to provide support beyond just material goods, offering empowerment programs and assistance with essential services.
Thunander explained that the charity has been increasingly supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and people living on welfare, many of whom are struggling to afford basic necessities. As the cost of living rises, the charity is facing increased pressure to meet the needs of the community, especially during the holiday season.
Petra Persson, a deacon at the Church of Sweden in Malmö, also noted a significant increase in people seeking aid, particularly for food and Christmas gifts. She emphasized the strain on the organization’s resources due to both increased costs and lower revenues, which is limiting their ability to provide assistance.
The Skåne City Mission and other charitable organizations in Malmö and across Sweden are grappling with the harsh reality of growing poverty and the strain it puts on families, especially during the holiday season. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued support for those struggling to make ends meet.