High electricity prices and poorer finances during the pandemic mean that many people need extra help at Christmas, the Red Cross states.
Many families with children told the Red Cross that they face a demanding situation.
“For the poorest families with children, an increase in the electricity bill means that they have to make difficult choices on a budget that does not normally go up,” Secretary-General Bernt G. Apeland stated.
The organization is planning Christmas gifts and activities for over 18,000 children and young people this year, which is a large increase from last year.
“Our volunteers are on hand to provide Christmas experiences and Christmas joy in various forms to children all over the country,” Apeland said.
New survey
According to a new survey, 15% of respondents are unsure whether they can afford Christmas presents. At the same time, 11% say they are worried about whether they can afford Christmas food, which is an increase of 5% from last year.
The survey was conducted by Opinion on behalf of the Red Cross.
A total of 115,000 children and young people grow up in families with persistently low incomes, Statistics Norway (SSB) figures from March show. The Red Cross is concerned that the real number has risen during the pandemic.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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