Charity work Danmission
Lea, Andreas, Julie and Anne Sofie
Charity at Danmission
We went working for the Danish charity organisation, Danmission.
We had scheduled four hours of volunteer work, from 10 to 14.
(Wednesday 2nd March: 4 student are going to work in the clothing department)
Danmission has existed for around 180 years, and consists mostly of volunteers!
Danmission is not only a secondhand or thrift shop. They have big projects all over the world, some here in
Europe and others in third world countries.
Danmission earned 74 million kroner, approx. 9,9 million euros in 2013 alone. 3,2 million euros came from
their secondhand shops.
Danmission lets people in third world countries start their own businesses. Many charity organisations only give
food and money to those in need, whereas Danmission has a saying;
‘Give a man a fish, and he has food for a week. Learn a man to fish, and he has food for his entire life’
Danmission lets people borrow money, so they can start their own business, and they do not charge interest rates
on the loan.
They also have what they call ‘widow projects’. In some countries, becoming a widow can ruin you. In addition
to grieving over the loss of your significant other, you will also lose your source of income. If you have
children, you can no longer provide for them.
Danmission creates jobs for widows, so they again can provide for their families.
The store ‘Alverden’ sells clothing, shoes and other thing made by people in third world countries. The items
are a bit expensive, but they are made under good conditions, and the workers are earning a fair amount of
money, which means: It’s fairtrade!
We all really enjoyed working as volunteers, even more when we knew what a difference we make!
Volunteer work is not at all boring, and it really sets your world in perspective, when you are told that what you
get for selling a cup, is enough to provide four days of clean water for three families is amazing!
We really recommend doing volunteer work. Your effort could really make a difference for many people. And
remember, a wise man once said;
‘If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in your room’
