The annual Joulupuu gift drive for underprivileged children and young people in Finland will not take place in several cities this year due to difficulties in finding local organisers.
Many charities have faced funding cuts, leading to a lack of resources to run the initiative.
Oulu is one of the areas affected. The drive was unable to proceed there this year after the local organiser, Vuolle Setlementti, stepped down due to space constraints.
The decision by Oulu-based NGO Vuolle Setlementti, which had managed the drive for the past two years, came too late for the national Joulupuu organisation to find a replacement host in time for the holiday season.
As a result, children and families relying on social welfare and child protection services in Oulu will miss out on the eagerly anticipated gifts provided through the drive.
According to Marja Kylmäluoma, head of the child welfare unit in the North Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county, the initiative typically distributes around 2,500 gifts annually in Oulu alone.
"Families have expressed disappointment that the gifts won't be distributed this year," Kylmäluoma said.
She noted that parents, accustomed to the tradition, began asking about the gifts as early as September and October.
"These gifts are highly anticipated and cherished. The donations we've received in the past have been fantastic, and it's been a joy to pass them on," Kylmäluoma added.
Interrupted tradition
Kylmäluoma, who has coordinated Joulupuu efforts in Oulu for the past five years, has helped distribute donated gifts and funds to children and families in need.
Kylmäluoma expressed regret over the situation but remains optimistic about future efforts.
"We've discussed with the director of the Joulupuu organisation that we need to act earlier next year. By spring, we should already know who can take charge," she said.
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