Dansk Folkehjælp (DPA, Denmark)

Danish People’s Aid was founded on 31 July 1907 under the name “Arbejdernes Samariter Forening” (Samaritan Organisation of Workers).

The organisation was established in the wake of an industrial accident that left several workers injured at a building site in Copenhagen. Incapable of helping their wounded colleagues, the workers could do nothing but watch the scene. After this tragic incident, Frederik M. Nielsen, a house painter, took the initiative to establish the association with the aim of offering first aid courses at workplaces and training Samaritans all over the country.

The name of the organisation has been changed twice, in 1962 to ASF-Dansk Folkehjælp and later in 2010 to Dansk Folkehjælp (Danish People’s Aid). 

Today, Danish People’s Aid is formed by 28 branches across Denmark. The activities are mainly based on voluntary work carried out by our 2,000 individual members and volunteers. The projects and activities are financially supported by foundations, the private sector, and individuals.

The organisation’s work rests on three pillars: 

First aid and Samaritans 

Since the foundation of Danish People’s Aid, our aim has been to strengthen the population’s knowledge of first aid. Today, we account for a large part of the first aid training taking place across Denmark: we train first aiders, first aid instructors, Samaritans, and so-called heart runners (volunteers running to assist at heart attack) in schools, in private businesses, and at our headquarters. 

Danish People’s Aid has a large corps of Samaritans that contribute to safety and security at large festivals and sports events across the country.

Volunteering and social work

Danish People’s Aid supports thousands of families living in financial poverty in Denmark. We provide financial first aid, that alongside our long-term social effort creates noticeable, lasting change. Our financial first aid includes School start aid and Christmas aid, and our long-term efforts include inclusive communities for families and seniors, financial counselling, and holiday camps for families.

Humanitarian aid and global development 
Danish People’s Aid is also present internationally. We have activities in Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as in Afghanistan and Ukraine. In the African countries, we support civil society in advocating for their right to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. In Afghanistan, we build schools and work for all children’s right to learn. In Ukraine, we distribute emergency aid, build shelters, and ensure clean drinking water in schools.