For the seventh time, employees of the family-owned companies in Finland were invited to vote on a €10,000 donation for a charity of their choice. Once again, the wellbeing of children and young people resonated most strongly with both Kiilto and Insta employees. The selected donation target was supporting youth mental health through Mieli ry.
At Kiilto and Insta, the annual spring tradition — the joint charity donation vote — has become something to look forward to. Choosing where to cast one’s vote is not always easy, as the list typically includes several important causes.
“We aim to select voting options that represent meaningful societal actors and current topics. Typically, employees have been able to vote for causes related to the environment, the wellbeing of children and young people, or, for example, support for Ukraine. This year, for the first time, the list also included a local option, the Tampere shelter and maternity home,” says Kiilto’s Communications and Wellbeing Specialist Tiina Niemi.
“Youth mental health is clearly close to the hearts of both Kiilto and Insta employees. The three highest‑voted causes this year were all related to children and young people. Mieli ry and supporting youth mental health was the clear winner, receiving one third of all votes. Thank you to each of the 377 participants!” Niemi continues.
Declining trust in the future — helping is a meaningful experience
According to Mieli ry, eco‑anxiety and a weakening sense of hope about the future are currently prominent among young people. Climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and other threats to the future can evoke anxiety, fear, sadness, or anger. The ecological crisis is linked to diminishing trust in the future and increases the risk of mental health and wellbeing challenges.
A donation is one way to help, but there are many ways to support mental health work. Since mental health is shaped by many different factors, it is essential to offer help in diverse ways.
Through Mieli ry, everyone has an opportunity to contribute. Volunteering can bring joy and meaning to one’s own life as well. Young people can be supported, for example, by volunteering in the Crisis helpline, assisting in event organisation or hands‑on work, participating in communications and marketing efforts, becoming an active member, or signing up as a supporter.
Read more about Mieli ry’s volunteer opportunities.
Long‑Term Commitment to a Shared Future
For Insta and Kiiltonians, participating in the charity vote is made easy — casting one’s vote requires just a single click. But what does this kind of inter‑company charity collaboration mean for the employees?
“I wanted to participate in the vote because it allows me to influence issues that matter to me, such as the wellbeing of young people. It’s important to me that the donated money goes as effectively as possible directly to where it’s most needed. It’s truly great that Kiilto employees can have a say in which causes are supported,” says Sales Assistant Minna Soikkonen.
Kiilto and Insta, both family-owned companies from the Pirkanmaa region, are well acquainted with each other. Their charity collaboration began when Kiilto’s landmark (the blue glue cartridge) was relocated from the Ratinakeskus area to Insta’s site in Sarankulma, Tampere. The companies’ owners agreed on an annual joint vote and a €10,000 donation as part of the collaboration.
Past donation targets:
- 2024 and 2025: Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and youth mental health support
- 2022 and 2023: Aid for Ukraine
- 2020 and 2021: Youth Mental Health Association Yeesi ry
More information:
Tiina Niemi
Communications and Wellbeing Specialist, Kiilto
tiina.niemi(at)kiilto.com
Hanna Vanhanen
Brand & Marketing Manager, Insta Group Oy
hanna.vanhanen(at)insta.fi