Message from the Founder

Looking back at 2019, I cannot help but be in awe . In awe of the fact that once again we were able to open three more projects, while maintaining the high quality of our work and doing so with lots of compassion that has become a trademark of LittleBigHelp .

We could not have done it without the private individuals, members, foundations, corporate partners, businesses and numerous volunteers who support us in so many ways and make what we do possible .

Thanks to the increasing support from donors and partners, we have been able to open three more Community Centres in the urban slums of Kolkata, resulting in LittleBigHelp now empowering 1,200 people on a daily basis and indirectly helping more than 1,300 families through our 22 projects .

My heart is so grateful, not simply because of the ”numbers” but because behind each of these, is a person who is one step further in the right direction of a better and brighter future .

In order to carry out our projects on a daily basis I want not only a good team – I want the best team! And experiencing and hearing my team’s commitment to the people we support makes me proud . They give so much of themselves every day; despite the challenges and obstacles they undoubtedly will face in India . They equip

and empower the people to improve their own and their family member’s lives .

The Community Centres are as relevant as ever . By working directly in the slum, ensuring a constant presence, we gain the trust and involvement of the whole community . Thanks to our awareness raising efforts, we have started seeing an increase in the number of young girls who are now attending school rather than being married off as per tradition; we experience a general increase in hygienic practices including the increased use of menstrual sanitary products; and we help families get ID cards, which gives them access to a number of government facilities and services . At our Community Centres we now have 360 children attending school preparation courses on a daily basis . With that being said, there is still work to be done . All children have the right to education and protection, and it is our goal to ensure this for every child in the slums we work in .

In 2019, 297 vulnerable adults and adolescents participated in one of our skills development projects . Considering the average income for the women from the slums, we have seen an amazing increase . After just three months from completing one of our courses the women have on average increased their income fourfold . And for many women this continues to rise as they get more experience and grow their business . But it is not just their income that drastically changes . The women become more independent, more confident and gain more influence in their family .

Our 10th Charity Gala was held at Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers in partnership with our main sponsor BC Hospitality Group . It was a magical night where the bar for our fundraising events was once again raised and we had the opportunity to share stories about our important work to a big group of people . It was incredible to host the event for 400 individuals, the highest number of guests ever to attend our gala, who helped us raise almost DKK 2 .5 mill . for our projects in India .

In LittleBigHelp we always dream bigger and continuously seek new opportunities and ways to improve and expand our work . Thank you to everyone who supports us and make what we do possible . And to those who are waiting to join our LittleBigHelp family in the future - we cannot wait to meet you .

With love and gratitude Founder, Lisbeth Johansen