Norway’s TV-aksjonen campaign seeks 80,000 volunteers ahead of fundraising event

A significant fundraising campaign in Norway, known as the TV-aksjonen, is facing a pressing challenge: over 80,000 volunteer collectors are still needed nationwide just a week and a half before the event kicks off. This year, the funds will support the Children’s Cancer Association in establishing family houses at university hospitals in Tromsø, Trondheim, Bergen, and Oslo. These family houses will provide a vital space for children undergoing severe medical treatment to reside with their families.

Linda Leinonen-Skomedal, whose youngest son received cancer treatment at eight months old, expressed the value of such a facility, wishing it had existed during their hospital visits. The aim is to keep families together during tough times, allowing siblings to stay together, ensuring adequate support, and fostering a sense of normalcy in a challenging situation.

Despite raising an impressive 90 million NOK over the past two years, the campaign is short on participants to reach its goal of 100,000 collectors. Siri Krogness Forsnes, the regional action leader, highlights that many may have forgotten the importance of physical collections, as people may think the campaign has become purely digital.

In a reflection of community effort, Leinonen-Skomedal shared a touching story about her son Magnus, who chose to donate his tooth fairy money to the cause. This gesture of solidarity underscores the hope to inspire others to do the same.

Those interested in becoming collectors can register at the official TV-aksjonen website, committing to a two-hour collection on October 20. The call is clear: support is crucial for the success of this endeavor.