– For the very first time, we have over 800 people coming to the Salvation Army in Tromsø to get help. Almost half of these are children, who grow up in poverty and low-income families. That’s what Ida Amelie Mayes, leader of the Salvation Army in Tromsø, says. In 2021, 290 children received Christmas help from them, this year 385 children will receive Christmas presents and woolen clothes. It is not only the little ones who receive Christmas presents through the Salvation Army. This gift is most likely going to help someone get their driver’s license. Photo: Hanne Wilhelms / news Figures from the Salvation Army nationally show that 21 per cent are unable to cover the increased expenses. Many also contact the Salvation Army for help, among other things there has been a sharp increase in Oslo, Trondheim, Bodø and Bergen. The Church’s City Mission in Tromsø has also noticed an increase. This is confirmed by Inger-Heidi Brindtly Kjærvik, who is head of administration and marketing. So far this year, 165 households have made contact, compared to 148 last year, who all receive food boxes for Christmas. Mayes is aware that voluntary organizations cannot solve the challenges of many people struggling to make ends meet. She believes that the politicians must step up to protect the poorest children. I want political action – I think it is high time that child benefit is increased, not only for the youngest children but especially for teenagers. We have a lot of teenage parents who come and ask for help, says Mayes. During the year, the price of both food and electricity has increased around the country. According to Mayes, more and more people have contacted the Salvation Army throughout the autumn. Gifts for both young and old abound at the Salvation Army in Tromsø. Woolen socks, winter shoes, toys and books will be distributed to those in need this week. Photo: Hanne Wilhelms / news – We are not surprised, but we are very concerned. Especially with these children in mind, she says. Mayes is aware that the price increases for food in particular hit those who have the least the hardest. Member of the health and care committee in the Storting, Erlend Svardal Bøe (H), also believes that an increased child benefit will help families whose finances are no longer sufficient. – With the increasing inquiries to aid organisations, it is important that we look after children and young people in a good way, he says. Storting representative for the Conservative Party, Erlend Svardal Bøe, believes that increased child benefit can help families who are struggling financially. Photo: Hans Ludvig Andreassen / news The background is that the Conservative Party believes it is a measure that will have a quick effect for families in a demanding situation. – The Conservative Party has proposed increasing child benefit by NOK 3,000 per child. It was voted down by the governing parties, says Bøe. Increased social assistance Storting representative Cecilie Myrseth (Ap) does not believe that increased child benefit is the answer, as this is a universal scheme that everyone receives, regardless of economic status. Instead, all social assistance recipients now receive more money. – We have recently agreed with the government and SV that all social assistance recipients will be given an extra NOK 1,000 a month. In addition, you get NOK 1,000 extra per child now into Christmas. She believes that such measures are correct and targeted. – What we have chosen to do in a very demanding time is that we have contributed extra to those who need it the most. Storting representative Cecilie Myrseth (Ap) believes that increased child benefit is not the solution to help those with poor means. Photo: Hanne Wilhelms / news She also says that the government is taking several urgent measures, including increasing support for voluntary organisations. The Salvation Army has received an increase of 20 million. Myrseth describes the work that such organizations do is crucially important, especially in the times we live in now. The leader of the Salvation Army in Tromsø has a clear appeal for everyone this Christmas. – Even if you have a difficult time financially this year, I think it is important that you lower your expectations and think that it will be Christmas anyway, even if you don’t have an expensive present under the tree. That you try to have a good time being together, says Mayes. On Tuesday, Ida Amelie Mayes will hand out gifts, woolen socks and books to families with children. Photo: Hanne Wilhelms / news
ttn-69
The Salvation Army helps record numbers at Christmas – wants political action – news Troms and Finnmark
