This festive period, the K2 Sweden team have been spreading joy to families and young people in the local community through volunteering and donations.
Swedish Charity Champions, Andrea Carneiro, Liridona Ramadani and Mandy Liew-Persson, were on the lookout for a seasonal volunteering opportunity for the team when they came across Skåne Stadsmission; a non-profit organisation who provide support for families struggling socially or financially.
Typically, Skåne Stadsmission provide families with food and other essential items, but over the Christmas period they set up special Christmas shops in multiple locations across the Skåne region. Local families in need can visit the Christmas shops and pick out a present for their children, free of charge, to make sure that everyone has something to unwrap on Christmas morning.
In the lead up to Christmas the K2 Sweden team have been volunteering in the shops, supporting with set up, organising the donated gifts, and wrapping presents for the visiting families. Some families brought their children with them, whilst others went along and collected gifts to surprise their children with.
Reflecting on one memorable moment, Liridona comments:
“One of the most touching moments for me was when a single mom came to have gifts wrapped for her two kids. As I was finishing, I noticed a third gift tucked in her purse. I asked if she wanted that one wrapped too. She smiled and said, ‘No, this one’s for me – no need to waste paper on me.’ But I took the gift and wrapped it for her in spite of her comment – when I handed it back, she was so grateful, because now she had something to open on Christmas too.”
Andrea adds:
“It was such a joy to see the kids visiting the store and picking out their own gifts! Giving them the chance to choose the one they loved most made the day even more special. Watching their little eyes sparkle whilst their presents were being wrapped was truly heartwarming. Moments like these really make us pause and appreciate everything we have in life. It’s a beautiful reminder to be grateful for all that we are and all that we have.”
In addition to volunteering for Skåne Stadsmission, the K2 Sweden team bought gift-cards for teenagers being supported by Ronald McDonald House in Lund. Alongside the gift-cards, the Charity Champions were able to secure some donations of sweets, other snacks and cosmetics from a local shop close to the Malmö office. They then packaged up the items ready to be dropped at Ronald McDonald House ahead of Christmas.
K2 and the K2 Foundation are committed to improving the lives of children and young people around the globe. By empowering employees to support the causes in their local communities which matter the most to them, whether through volunteering their time, making donations, or sharing their skills, K2 continues to strengthen its company culture of purpose and impact.
