219.8 million to this year’s Telethon

Sven Mollekleiv.The Norwegian Red Cross president Sven Mollekleiv.(Foto: Olav A. Saltbones/R¯de Kors)

When the clock passed midnight, the amount collected from this year’s Telethon was NOK 219.8 million. This is completely overwhelming, said Red Cross president Sven Mollekleiv.

– This is totally fantastic. Thank you to everyone who contributed! All of the contributions will make a difference and together we will get the help to the right places. Every commitment we’ve seen lately is overwhelming, says Mollekleiv in a statement.

– I’m touched, grateful and humbled on behalf of the entire Red Cross. Two million people will now receive life saving aid.

Royal collection boxes

Overall 100,000 collection carriers were out on Sunday, knocking on doors across the country. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid Alexandra were amongst the collection carriers who volunteered in this year’s major collection effort.

By 23:00, the amount collected exceeded last year’s collection, and also several other collections made this year collected more money than last year. The country’s schools collected 1.8 million kroner more than a year ago and totaled 5.8 million kroner. P3’s campaign set a new record of nearly 5.5 million kroner.

– Team Effort

– I’m so happy and touched to see the amazing commitment that everyone has made to help their fellow human beings, says Telethon Leader Vibecke Østby.

– We have every reason to be very proud of our joint efforts, says the Manager of the Collection and notes that high and low, old and young from urban and rural areas “it has been a team effort.”

The money collected will be used to buy food, clean water and medical assistance to the civilian population in nine countries that have experienced many years of war and conflict: Syria, Lebanon, South-Sudan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Myanmar, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. In addition, funds will be used to help refugees living in Norway.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today