On Denmark's Liberation Day, May 5th, donations were fittingly handed out by both Christian IV's Guild and its associated Foundation. The timing was appropriate, as the Guild was actively engaged in social work during the German occupation and continues to support local events and charitable initiatives that shape the cultural life of Aalborg.

Founded in 1942 during World War II, Christian IV's Guild originally aimed to support true Danes through social aid and related efforts. Staying true to its legacy, the Guild awarded the Aalborg Prize to Jan Larsen, Director of Aalborg Handball, on this day. The prize is awarded to a person or organization that contributes positively to Aalborg or its citizens, either through notable initiatives or other positive acts. During the award ceremony, the chief bencher jokingly remarked that the donation might serve as a down payment to secure star handball player Mathias Gisel for the team. Jan Larsen responded with a smile, noting he would consider the suggestion depending on the amount.

The chief bencher then handed over proceedings to Vibeke Gamst, Chairman of the Guild’s Foundation. She began the presentation of donations, which were granted to seventeen recipients in varying amounts. Each recipient was called forward to receive an envelope containing the awarded donation.

The recipients were all visibly delighted. Among them were the Hunting Horn Blowers, who expressed their gratitude with an impressive performance of various hunting signals on both Fürst Pless and Parforce horns. The acoustics under the vaulted cellar ceilings only amplified the grandeur of the performance.

In total, the Guild and Foundation distributed DKK 90,000 to enthusiastic recipients that day.

After the donation ceremony, guests were treated to a refreshment and the Guild’s traditional gala dinner, featuring two red sausages with bread, served with delicious homemade cognac mustard and ketchup.

Following this, all participants moved to Aalborg Monastery, where they gathered in the Refectory together with attendees of the Friends of the Monastery’s general assembly. Former cathedral organist Erling A. Thomsen performed a beautiful piano concert, and when the concert concluded, members of Christian IV’s Guild continued to the Monastery Church, where guide Margrethe Østergaard gave a presentation about the church’s location, interior design, and its role throughout history.

For many of the donation recipients, this was hopefully a memorable and enriching extra experience.