Worthy holidays
The "Dignified Holidays" initiative has been bringing joy, support, and hope to the lives of those in need during Christmas for over 20 years. Its goal is to ensure that the poor, lonely, sick, and socially excluded can experience the holidays in a dignified and warm manner, including through the organization of food packages and festive gatherings.
About the action
Thanks to the enormous commitment of volunteers and donors from all over the country, funds and gifts in kind are collected and sent to where they are most needed. The campaign not only helps to meet basic needs, but also reminds us of the power of community and that no one should feel lonely during this special time.
In Poland, nearly 1.8 million people live in extreme poverty, including around 500,000 children and 400,000 seniors. During the holiday season, poverty and loneliness become particularly acute – families struggling with financial difficulties are often unable to prepare for the holidays, and lonely, sick or socially excluded people have no one to share the wafer with.
The rising cost of living, inflation and low incomes deepen this problem, forcing many people to give up basic elements of the holiday tradition. The “Worthy Holidays” campaign responds to these needs, providing material support and giving hope and a moment of respite during this special time.
the number of children living in extreme poverty
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the number of seniors living in extreme poverty
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Poverty Watch 2023
Need
In Poland, nearly 1.8 million people live in extreme poverty, including about 400,000 children and 290,000 seniors. During the holiday season, poverty and loneliness become particularly acute. Families struggling with financial difficulties often cannot organize holiday celebrations, and lonely, ill, or socially excluded individuals have no one to share the Christmas wafer with.
The rising cost of living, inflation, and low incomes further exacerbate this problem, forcing many people to forgo basic elements of holiday traditions. The initiative responds to these needs, providing not only material support but also hope and a moment of respite.
The goals of the action
Enabling the celebration of holidays in joy and community for lonely and socially excluded individuals.
Meeting the basic nutritional needs of families in difficult financial situations.
Reducing feelings of loneliness and social exclusion during the holiday season.
Showing those in need that they are important and can count on the support of others.
Mr. Leszek is a quiet, calm, and sensitive man who is attuned to the world around him, especially the natural world. Since 2020, he has been living in a homeless shelter run by the Polish Red Cross Branch in Bolesławiec. He found himself in a state of homelessness due to difficult life events - a progressing illness, the death of a loved one, and the loss of his means of support.
His passion is flowers, which he cultivates with extraordinary care throughout the year. Plants that others have deemed lost bloom anew thanks to him. Mr. Leszek also takes care of a garden, which in summer becomes a true oasis - a place of rest and joy for the shelter's residents, guests, and volunteers.
Mr. Leszek will spend Christmas in the shelter, but thanks to the Polish Red Cross, it will be a #DignifiedChristmas, full of warmth and hope.
Historie darczyńców.
Misją Polskiego Czerwonego Krzyża jest zapobieganie ludzkim cierpieniom i łagodzenie ich skutków oraz ochrona ludzkiej godności, bez jakiejkolwiek dyskryminacji na tle narodowości, rasy, płci, przekonań religijnych lub politycznych.
Leszek
Most often, it saves plants discarded by others: it makes them bloom again.
Valeriia
The warmth of the people here is exceptional. This is where my home is and my children's.
Daniel
The wind blows in the poor man's eyes all year round.
How do we help?
We organize Christmas Eve gatherings that allow lonely individuals to spend the holidays in the company of others.
We prepare and distribute holiday packages containing food, sweets, and hygiene products.
We engage volunteers in aid activities such as packing and distributing parcels and organizing Christmas meetings.
We organize information campaigns that raise social awareness about poverty and exclusion in Poland.
What are we collecting for?
The collected funds and donations are allocated for:
Purchase of food for holiday packages, including products that allow for the preparation of traditional Christmas Eve dishes.
Organization of Christmas Eve meetings, including rental of rooms and preparation of meals.
Transport and logistics related to delivering holiday packages to the homes of lonely and sick individuals.
Purchase of small gifts for children and seniors that will emphasize the festive character of the support.
Effects of the action
- 160 organized Christmas meetings for those in need.
- 85,000 holiday packages delivered last year.
- The total value of assistance provided amounted to over 13.5 million PLN.
- Nearly 98 tons of food distributed to those in need.
Other for Children and Youth
Gold Rush
Annual campaign of the Polish Red Cross, which consists of collecting small coins to support children from families in difficult situations. Join us and show that even the smallest gesture can change the lives of the youngest!
The Great Power of Helping
A charity event that brings joy and support at Easter every year. Thanks to the commitment of donors, partners and volunteers, we organize holiday packages and breakfasts for those most in need. Join us and help bring warmth and a festive atmosphere where it is needed most!
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