Queen Mary Writes a Thank-You Message to Children in Women’s Shelters

Each year, around 2,000 children seek refuge in shelters across Denmark, and many of them arrive with very few personal belongings. The Mary Foundation, in collaboration with the Ole Kirk Foundation and LOKK (the National Organization of Women's Shelters), distributes backpacks to these children containing toys, books, clothes, and a postcard.

These postcards can be sent back to The Mary Foundation — and many children choose to do so. Queen Mary often receives heartfelt messages from children staying in women’s shelters with a parent.

In a recent Instagram post by The Mary Foundation, Queen Mary is seen reading some of the messages she has received. Among them are beautiful drawings and personal notes from children who received a backpack.

Queen Mary writes: At The Mary Foundation, we receive postcards from children staying at shelters with a parent. I am deeply moved every time I read their greetings. These children are facing very difficult circumstances, yet I can still see a glimmer of hope in their words and drawings.

We know that the backpacks we provide to shelters do not solve the children's problems. But we also know they can help create a sense of safety and hope during a difficult time — and that shelter staff can use the backpacks as a tool to build trust with the children. It brings me great joy to receive such wonderful cards. Thank you so much.

— H.M. The Queen

Alexander McQueen Blazer