Debrecen4U October 13, 2025

The Debrecen Charity Board Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

Together with its member organizations, the Debrecen Charity Board celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 11, 2025, during the family day of the Great Forest Week at the Sziget-kék Playground. The birthday was marked by a full-day program featuring spectacular, entertaining, and interactive activities.

János Mazsu, Chair of the Debrecen Values Committee and host of Great Forest Week, welcomed attendees. He recalled that the event was initiated six years ago to allow citizens to express their appreciation and love for Debrecen’s green crown—the Great Forest (in Hungarian: Nagyerdő). Now in its sixth edition, the “program picnic” has proven to be a successful format, supported by a wide range of organizations, businesses, and individuals who contribute ideas, activities, and engagement to show that the Great Forest is not only to be enjoyed but also preserved. “The Great Forest exists for us, and we exist with the Great Forest,” he emphasized, echoing this year’s motto.

Zoltán Váradi, Managing Director of the Nagyerdei Cultural Park, which operates the Sziget-kék Playground, reminded attendees that October 10, 1939, marked the day when a part of the Great Forest was officially registered in Hungary’s nature conservation records. “It’s still good to be here, to be in the Nagyerdő,” he said, expressing hope that many future events connected to the forest will be held at Sziget-kék.

Edit Bódor, Chair of the Charity Board for the past year, reflected on the occasion: “Today we celebrate not just an anniversary, but ten years of human kindness, service, and compassion.” Quoting Mother Teresa, she emphasized that this spirit has guided the assoication’s work over the past decade and will continue to do so. The initiative began with a calling: to be present where help is needed, whether with a warm meal, a kind word, or a handshake. These acts may not have been visible to the outside world, but they meant a great deal to those who received them. She thanked everyone who has contributed over the past ten years, whether through time, labor, or donations. “A community shows its true face where help is most needed—and Debrecen’s community has such a face,” she said.

Deputy Mayor and Co-Chair of the Debrecen Charity Board Diána Széles recalled its founding in 2015 during the refugee crisis, when the municipality convened local civil organizations engaged in charitable work to find solutions. Zsolt Szemerédy, Director of ReFoMix Nonprofit Kft., proposed making these meetings regular—thus the Charity Body was born. It became a spiritual community, driven by the belief that unity and love work in Debrecen. Those who support the city’s vulnerable residents share their hearts, helping more than 10,000 people annually, often through extraordinary efforts. Many challenges have been overcome together, and the work continues—the tenth anniversary is just a milestone.

Former chairs—Barnabás Balogh (2015–2017), Ábel Lukács Kiss (2017–2019), Éva Juhász Rózsahegyiné (2019–2023), and András Törő (2023–2024)—were honored, with two attending in person.

András Törő, now Rector of the Hungarian Pontifical Ecclesiastical Institute in Rome, sent a video message. He expressed gratitude for working with the organization and meeting many kind, skilled, and thoughtful people dedicated to helping those in need. He wished that the organization’s mission and the strength of the community reach every resident of Debrecen, building a space where gifts are shared and received, and where mutual enrichment thrives. He concluded by wishing God’s abundant blessing on the Body’s future work.

Éva Juhász Rózsahegyiné quoted Magda Szabó: “Greatness begins when one realizes others live on this earth too, and acts not only for oneself but for others.” She added, “In Magda Szabó’s city, the Charity Board and the caring community embody this spirit—because this is Debrecen.”

Ábel Lukács Kiss’s message, read by Edit Bódor, recalled the rare and special collaboration that began in 2015. The refugee crisis required a formal structure for the already close cooperation among organizations. Thus, the organization was born. In Debrecen, care, unity, and attentiveness are natural. “We communicate, coordinate, notice each other’s needs and pain, and help wherever we can. The root of all this is love, which multiplies and gives us strength to face challenges together.” The organization proves that diverse organizations—civil, official, and religious—can see each other not as competitors but as allies. “It was a great honor to serve as chair for two years—an unforgettable time in my life. I look forward to the coming decades of shared service in Debrecen.”

Barnabás Balogh shared a brief reflection: “In the beginning was the Word. Where we speak, something is born. I have three biological children—and one child of the heart: the Charity Board. May God bless this child too!”

Following the speeches, Edit Bódor thanked the organization’s supporters, whose donations make continued charitable work possible. She expressed special thanks to Deufol Hungary Kft., whose donation will fund experiences for children during the autumn school break. The company’s employees collected and donated gifts worth HUF 322,500, presented by HR Manager Lilla Szabó, who said she was glad the family-owned company could support Debrecen families.

The Debrecen Charity Board presented commemorative certificates to its member organizations in recognition of ten years of collaboration. The official celebration concluded with the cutting of a large birthday cake, donated by Nagykonyha Kft.

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Founded as a model of cooperation, the Debrecen Charity Board has supported vulnerable families and individuals in the city for ten years. By 2023, it had grown into an umbrella organization of 30 member groups, including religious and civil organizations, sports associations, and institutions closely linked to the municipality and historical churches. Its chairs are delegated by member organizations and rotate periodically, while Deputy Mayor Diána Széles serves as permanent co-chair, responsible for care policy. Each year, the organization helps more than 10,000 Debrecen residents through experience-based and children’s programs, as well as food, hygiene, and school supply packages.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu