Eight hundred and eighty-five thousand, two hundred and sixty-one euros and seven cents. Or 885,261.07. That is how much readers donated during the Christmas campaign for Ukraine organized by the Leeuwarder Courant, Dagblad van het Noorden, and Friesch Dagblad newspapers.
Never before have the Leeuwarder Courant, Dagblad van het Noorden, and Friesch Dagblad raised so much money for Ukraine. In 2022, the first campaign, €392,000 was donated, in 2023 €638,000, and in 2024 €581,000.
Phenomenal
“I think it's phenomenal. Based on previous years, you hope for a few hundred thousand because you take into account a certain ‘Ukraine fatigue,’ but this exceeds all expectations,” says Maarten Pennewaard, editor-in-chief of the Leeuwarder Courant.
“My interpretation is that many people in Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe believe that Ukraine should be supported, so this so-called fatigue is not present at all among a large number of people.”
“I'm speechless,” says Evert van Dijk, editor-in-chief of Dagblad van het Noorden. “It's heartwarming that our readers are so committed to the people of Ukraine who are having such a hard time. We're going to find good destinations for it again!”
Ria Kraa, editor-in-chief of the Friesch Dagblad, thinks it's fantastic to see all the names of all the donors. "I find it really heartwarming that so many people continue to show their commitment to Ukraine. "
To Ukraine
LC reporters Zander Lamme and Patrick van 't Haar are leaving for Ukraine on Friday with an ambulance, 35 generators, medical supplies, and other relief goods. Destinations include Kharkiv, Izium, and Sloviansk in the east of the country.
The amount of €885,261.07 is the sum of the money deposited into the bank account of the Hulpacties DVHN, FrD, and LC foundation, the donation site, and the proceeds from the auction for Ukraine. The campaign ran from December 24 to 31. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the campaign.
