Fie moved into the Central Station.
A year ago, millions of people had to flee Ukraine. Fortunately, Fie and her colleagues were ready to welcome them into our safe zone.
One Wednesday in early March 2022, Fie Friis was given the keys to a closed burger bar at Copenhagen Central Station and tasked with transforming the room into a safe space for people on the run.
A day and a half later, a team of volunteers from the Capital Red Cross welcomed the first families from Ukraine at the train and accompanied them up to the Safe Zone, where the interior of the burger bar had now been transformed into a large living room with dining areas, sofa arrangements and enclosed sleeping areas.
“I normally work as a development consultant at the Danish Red Cross – including with our efforts that support newcomers. At the same time, I find it exciting to make things happen quickly, so it felt right for me to take on the task of establishing the Safety Zone,” says Fie, who was given a temporary break from her regular work duties for four weeks to be able to carry out the task together with a colleague.
Everyone rushes in a hurry
The Danish Red Cross had previously operated a safety zone when many Syrian refugees arrived in the country back in 2015, but the new effort still had to be built from scratch and constantly adapted to the reality that the volunteers encountered at the Central Station.
“It was great to see how everyone rallied and supported each other. The thrift stores provided furniture and toys, and my colleagues gathered information and took the first shifts, while also taking care of my normal tasks,” says Fie.
150 really cool volunteers
The Safe Zone was open 24 hours a day and was staffed by four to six volunteers in four shifts. More than 150 volunteers volunteered to help pick up refugees from trains, find information for travelers, provide food and drink, and simply be present and friendly to the people who passed by the Safe Zone on their escape.
"I'm really impressed with how quickly we were able to mobilize volunteers for the task. It's no small thing to be a volunteer in the Safe Zone - it's a big responsibility and relatively many, long shifts. I've met so many really cool people who have volunteered and helped to lift the effort - and further develop it, so that we can constantly meet the needs we see among our guests," says Fie.
Back to the long-term efforts
Today, Fie is back at her normal desk. One of the things she has continued to work on since the Safe Zone closed down is initiatives involving foster families, where volunteers support newcomers to Denmark.
"As the refugees receive a residence permit and a place to live, we will need volunteers who will give them insight into Denmark and help them establish a local network. At the same time, we have set up the Red Cross Café, which is an offer for newcomers to meet in a homely setting, where they can get information and help, but also just be with others for coffee, games and conversations," says Fie.
About the Comfort Zone
In 2022, the Red Cross established a safety zone for refugees arriving at Copenhagen Central Station. Here they could rest, get food and drink, and be helped on their journey. We worked closely with the Municipality of Copenhagen and DSB to ensure that our fellow human beings were met with the support they needed in a difficult situation.
If you would like to help the next time the need arises, you can sign up here.
Red Cross Café
In our two network houses you will find the Red Cross Café, which is an offer for newcomers to Copenhagen. Here, volunteers welcome you to a cozy room where there is time for coffee, games and chat.
Read more about the current offers of the Red Cross Capital here.
Family and friends show the way
As a volunteer in Family Friends and Friends Show the Way, you form an important social relationship for individuals, couples or families who lack a network in Denmark.