Festive cheer in Hungary is being overshadowed by an economic chill. Inflation has eased over the past few months, but remains the highest in the EU. Charities say they're struggling to support those in need.
As Christmas Day approaches, many Hungarians, including Eva Kovacs, are seeking a glimmer of hope amid the growing challenges of the season. Basic necessities like food and electricity have become more expensive, and Kovacs worries that her paycheck won't stretch far enough to buy gifts for her six children.
She told CGTN: "I recently began working again after separating from my partner. I was in an abusive relationship, so the past year has been incredibly tough for all of us."
Charities in Hungary are in need of a 'Christmas miracle' to keep their services running. /Pablo Gutierrez/CGTN
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Spreading cheer this season is one of the missions of the Tunderpakk Foundation, which helps single mothers struggling financially - including those who have left abusive relationships - rebuild their lives.
"This year, we are providing gifts to around 150 children at this event," explained Tima Szomolanyi, founder of the foundation. "We'll also give the mothers a $30 gift card to help with their grocery costs," she added.
While Szomolanyi looks forward to seeing the children's joy when they receive their presents, she acknowledges that buying gifts has been more challenging this year. It's not just families facing hardship this season. Charities in Hungary are in need of a 'Christmas miracle' to keep their services running due to receiving fewer donations amid the cost of living crisis.
Hungary's International Children Safety Service wants to help children 'light up with happiness'. /Pablo Gutierrez/CGTN
This challenge extends to even larger organizations like the Metropolitan Branch of the Hungarian Red Cross, which aims to distribute around 2,000 packages in Budapest and hopes for a last-minute surge in donations as Christmas approaches.
"We are seeing more requests for assistance from unemployed parents, many of them very young," explained Ildiko Buncsik of the Budapest Red Cross group. "We have also seen an influx of families moving to Budapest searching for work, and they often find themselves needing help."
Despite these challenges, this holiday season is also a time for gratitude. Peter Edvi, President of the International Children Safety Service, expressed his thankfulness for the abundance of goodwill that still exists. "It's really simple. You just need to show love to the kids and say, 'Hello, here's a little gift,' and the children light up with happiness," he explained.
Even as purse strings tighten and families face hardship, charities in Hungary remain committed to giving the gift of hope.
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