TUBFRIM helps those in need
An everyday charity that does great things
Image courtesy of TUBFRIM
Anyone who sends or received a stamped letter can potentially do something good with TUBFRIM.
M. MICHAEL BRADY
Asker, Norway
In 1928, in Nesbyen in Hallingdal in Viken County, Norway, postmaster Ditlef Frantzen established Tuberkulosearbeidets Frimerkeforrettning (literally “Tuberculosis work’s postage stamp business”), abbreviated TUBFRIM. Its task was to collect and sell used postage stamps with the proceeds going to aid the eradication of tuberculosis among Norwegian children. In 1929, the organization showed its first profit of NOK 1,500. Since then, profits have risen steadily, in all adding up to NOK 23 million.
Today, the charity is owned by Nasjonal-foreningen for folkehelsen (“National Society for Public Health”). It collects and sells telephone cards in addition to postage stamps, and its profits are used to help children and young people with disabilities and handicaps, in addition to those with serious illnesses.
TUBFRIM is still located in Nesbyen, where it was founded, address: TUBFRIM, P.O. Box 1, 3541 Nesbyen, Norway. It has a website at www.tubfrim.no, with a version in English at www.tubfrim.no/subdet9.htm.
See also “A great day for TUBFRIM stamp cutters,” Solveig Lee, The Norwegian American, Nov. 27, 2015.
This article originally appeared in the Oct. 8, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
