Thorsen Group and DanskHåndbold invest in children’s well-being: donation to Julemærkehjemmene

DanskHåndbold wants handball to be a positive and inclusive gathering point – both on and off the court.

It is important to us that the partnerships we enter are built on good values, but we are pleased that we are now taking even greater responsibility in the social sphere and can do so through a strong partnership that is about more than just commercial interests. Together with Thorsen Group, we take shared responsibility for helping children who are struggling, and this is where a partnership truly makes sense – when we can do something good for others,” says Henrik M. Jacobsen, CEO of DanskHåndbold.

Thorsen Group shares DanskHåndbold’s ambition to use the sport’s communities to create social value. For Thorsen Group, the partnership is a natural part of the company’s long-term work with responsible investments that contribute positively to both society and people.

We have chosen to support handball and Julemærkehjemmene because we want to help take on an important social responsibility. With the donation, we can help create strong communities and well-being for children who need a fresh start,” says Lars Frøvang Thomsen, CEO of Thorsen Group, adding:

As a family-owned company, it means a lot to us to support this cause because we are helping provide a safe environment for the children, where they can develop new, strong relationships.

Strong collaboration makes a difference

DanskHåndbold and Julemærkehjemmene have worked together for several years to create better conditions for children in distress. With Thorsen Group as a new partner, the effort can now be further enhanced – both through financial support and by bringing new resources and visibility to the collaboration.

It is very important to us that DanskHåndbold and Thorsen Group support us. It is recognition of our work, and we are truly grateful. A donation of this size means we can help more children build stronger self-esteem and renew their desire to attend school and participate in extracurricular communities,” says Søren Ravn Jensen, Director of Julemærkehjemmene.

The children who come to us are struggling and have lost confidence in themselves. They often have high absenteeism from school and have been bullied. We help them gain self-esteem and introduce friends, joy, play, and physical activity into their lives. Being able to continue this work with this donation means an incredible amount to both us and the children,” Søren Ravn Jensen continues.

Ambassadors visit

On the occasion of the donation, two Danish national team players who serve as ambassadors for the partnership visited a Julemærkehjem. In Hobro, women’s national team player Anne Mette Hansen was greeted with cheers and applause during her visit, and she received a tour of the home from two of the children.

 

It was really nice to visit a Julemærkehjem and see what it looks like. It was great to meet the children and see that they are thriving, and to know that we, as handball and with the strong partners we have, can help make a difference for children who have had a really hard time. They had come to meet us at a training before, so it was also great to finally see them on their home turf,” says national team captain Anne Mette Hansen.

There was also great excitement among the children at Julemærkehjemmet Fjordmark in Kruså when men’s national team player Emil Jakobsen visited. He got an insight into daily life at a Julemærkehjem, including games in the gym, creative workshops, and lunch with communal singing. It made an impression on the World Championship star to see how the children experience a sense of community, which he also recognizes the importance of.

 

It has been an incredible experience to visit Julemærkehjemmet and meet the children, and I think it’s amazing to hear how they describe the sense of community they get here. I know how much the community we have on the national team means to me, and to see them have the same here, being part of something that means so much to them as well, is really great,” says Emil Jakobsen.

I also got to hear some of the children’s stories, which I found quite touching. They shared what it’s like to be here and the difference it has made, and I’m glad that this opportunity exists. These children deserve it, and I’m happy I can contribute in some way as an ambassador and give them a positive experience.

 

The collaboration between DanskHåndbold, Thorsen Group, and Julemærkehjemmene is an example of how sports, business, and social engagement can become a lever for change. Together, we aim to use the power of sport to create lasting improvements – with better well-being, stronger communities, and new opportunities for the children who need it most.

 

Contact

DanskHåndbold

Camilla Bevensee

Sustainability Project Manager

calb@danskhaandbold.dk

+45 28 75 77 94

 

Thorsen Group

Nadja Udby Sangild

Communication & Marketing Manager

nus@thorsengroup.dk

+45 25 40 25 06

 

Julemærkehjemmene

Thomas Elmegård

Press Officer and Communications Consultant

thomas.elmegard@julemaerket.dk

+45 40 41 36 61