By Jan Kjær, Better-World.dk
The article was first published in 2022 

April 1952 is written on the registration form for Erik Randløv, who as an active member of the Danish People's Aid has been a Samaritan, handyman, collector and helper for the disabled. 

70 years as a public servant. That's the incredible statistic for Erik Randløv, who turns 90 on December 27 [2022]. 

A 30-hour first aid course in 1952 was the starting point.  

”My father was with the housing committee where we lived when I was a boy. A Samaritan course was offered, and I took it. Afterwards, a member from the Brønshøj-Husum branch of the Workers' Samaritan Association, as it was called at the time, came and asked if I wanted to be a member. I've been one ever since.” 

The rest is a long story with Danish People's Aid.  

The common thread is first aid, and it is also the last thing Erik is actively involved in. He still comes to the flea market in Bellahøj, and he has done so since the beginning in 1992, when the Children's Aid Day asked for Samaritan help.  

”"The first Flea Market didn't go well. It rained and it was all a blur. After that it went better and the sun came out," says Erik with a big smile. 

”"Today I'm there mostly as a filler. And not for very long, but you can always put a band-aid on it.". 

Brønshøj Husum: A large and active department 

After World War II, there was great interest in Samaritan work, and local branches flourished.  

The Brønshøj-Husum branch has approximately 60 members, an equal number of young people and adults. Erik throws himself into youth work and soon becomes youth chairman. 

”"It's really happening, mostly with Samaritan guards for, for example, handball tournaments and road races. We set off in a truck with two Samaritans, stretchers and bandages," Erik remembers. 

The young people also have a great community and often go on trips with tents and songbooks. 

Erik joined the department's board in the early 1960s and was chairman from 1965 until the family moved from the area. 

Help for the disabled 

In the early 1960s, the youth departments of the Danish People's Aid organized holiday camps for disabled children in Øster Dråby near Frederikssund, and Erik attended for one year because he had difficulty getting time off work. The camps were primitive with large military tents and open latrines. 

The Brønshøj-Husum branch is also involved when bus trips are arranged for the elderly and disabled. From 1965 to 1975 it becomes more exotic, and the elderly and disabled get the opportunity to have a holiday in the Mediterranean, because Erik and other volunteers were always there with a helping hand. Also to lift the disabled in and out of the planes. 

From the late 80s until 2015 – for more than 25 years – Erik was a Samaritan for disabled children and adults, first in Hillerødgade's swimming pool and later in Håndværkerhaven's small warm-water swimming pool in Emdrup. 

”"I was there as a Samaritan, but of course also a bit of a lifeguard. You could swim in the pools. It was for an hour in the evening every Wednesday during school weeks," Erik remembers. 

It was voluntary work without any subsidies for transportation or anything else – apart from a gift for Christmas. 

”In 2015, I had a heart problem and had three bypass surgeries. Then the disabled swimming disintegrated.” 

Master 

In 1947, Erik began his apprenticeship as a carpenter at the age of 15. He later became an earth and concrete worker and handyman at a youth pension on Amager, from where he took early retirement at the age of 63. 

His practical ingenuity has benefited Danish People's Aid, not least when it comes to moving its head office. 

”I was nicknamed Master because I could fix everything,” explains Erik. 

When the organization moved to Roskildevej in the late 80s, there were quite a few old buildings, where Erik covered the exterior walls with wood. It took some time, he remembers. 

”While I was doing that, the organization bought Holeby Kro. Then I went down there to make partitions and put moldings on the walls in the hallways. It was fun to put some custom on the first floor.” 

This is the only time that payment has been involved in Erik's 70 years in Danish People's Aid. 

It never became an international assignment, although construction has played a large role in the organization's work across borders. The timing has never suited Mester's working life. On the other hand, he and his wife Etly have been very active in fundraising for aid work in Poland and Eritrea, among other places. 

A family dynasty of volunteers 

Erik's wife Etly passed away this summer, having reached 65 years as a volunteer with Danish People's Aid. The couple have now reached 135 years as volunteers. An impressive feat. 

And the interest has been passed down. The children Anne-Birgitte and Lis and son-in-law Claus have taken up the baton. So has the grandson Thomas, who met his girlfriend Sarah through the organization, and their child Liam – Erik and Etly's great-grandson – is also a member. 

Erik's face lights up when the topic is about the volunteering of the younger generations:  

”"Yes, of course I'm proud that there is follow-up. That's clear. They were all raised with Danish People's Aid from a very young age."” 

And the 70th anniversary celebrant concludes: "I have enjoyed being able to help others – to the extent I have been able to."”  

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Erik passed away on January 31, 2025. Rest in peace Erik and thank you for your enormous efforts in Danish People's Aid.