Local services
This time, Debrecen’s exemplary collaboration for the benefit of those in need, characterized by an unparalleled cohesive force in the country, was showcased through an extraordinary meeting of the member organizations—civil and church organizations, institutions, and companies—working together under the Debrecen Charity Board.
For nearly 10 years, the Debrecen Charity Board has supported individuals and families in need living in Debrecen.
On March 1, 2025, representatives of the board’s member organizations jointly prepared hot meals and donuts for those served by ReFoMix Nonprofit Public Benefit Ltd. and its associates.
Regarding the event, Edit Bódor, president of the Debrecen Charity Board, stated that the day was organized to create a tradition. Firstly, the meeting was designed to take advantage of the carnival season’s conclusion, allowing participants to reflect on the previous year’s events and outline tasks for the upcoming year. This setting aimed to foster a relaxed, team-building atmosphere instead of the usual pressure of formal work meetings.
Secondly, they gathered in this form to symbolize the board’s mission in a slightly different way than usual. This time, the board members did not assist in distributing donations. Still, they offered the meals they had jointly cooked and the treats they had baked themselves to the beneficiaries of ReFoMix Nonprofit Public Benefit Ltd., one of the board’s member organizations. According to Edit Bódor, it was a great feeling that many people came, prepared with joy, and arrived with hearts and baskets full of love. The president also mentioned that the Debrecen Charity Board would be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and would like to commemorate this decade of cooperation, collaboration, and support with a grand event.
Diána Széles, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen and co-chair of the Debrecen Charity Board, stated that one of the most important founding ideas of the board was to provide coordinated help to those in need in Debrecen. She was already very proud of the many civil charitable organizations operating in the city back then. The past ten years have shaped this community into an even more cohesive group – a good company whose members are united not only by a common cause and mission but also by their love of being and working together. It is possible to help others well when help is given with a cheerful heart.
This community can be strong and stable when everyone works with heart and soul and draws strength from each other. Last year, the members of the Debrecen Charity Board were able to help 14,000 residents of Debrecen. This unparalleled work could not be successful without a true community behind it. Both the government and the city council are caring, but this care could not be complete without the involvement of civil society and volunteers. There are difficult life situations that legal frameworks and official social support do not cover or cannot provide flexible, effective, and immediate help to those in need. This is when the value of civil collaboration becomes immense, as does the operation of the Debrecen Charity Board.
Diána Széles also expressed her gratitude to Edit Bódor, who has been leading the board since the fall of 2024, bringing new energy into the collaboration and suggesting the idea for today’s extraordinary community-building and supportive day. The Debrecen Charity Board continues to welcome organizations and volunteers who wish to join with their work or support, and – as Diána Széles formulated, this gives the cooperation its strength, enabling Debrecen to be and remain a caring city.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
