Contributions to the Good Holiday Spirit charity campaign exceeded expectations this year, allowing the group to distribute more food vouchers to needy families than originally anticipated, according to the organisation.
The group's initial goal was to hand out 21,000 food vouchers to families in tough circumstances, but an increase in donations brought that figure up to 25,000 vouchers.
For the 24th time, the annual campaign was led by the Finnish Red Cross and the Mannerheim League of Child Welfare, in cooperation with Yle.
The coronavirus crisis has increased the number of families in need of help, according to Finnish Red Cross Secretary General Kristiina Kumpula.
"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,” Kumpula said in a statement.
In addition to donations from individuals and businesses, the campaign was also supported by grocery chains Lidl, S Group and Kesko. The raised proceeds were distributed to low-income families across the country in the form of 50 euro food vouchers.
The fundraising campaign began on November 19 and ended on Christmas Eve.
“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,” said Milla Kallionmaa, Secretary General of the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare.