We are committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of which there are 17 in total. From these, we have identified four goals that are particularly central to us.
The four goals are: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. The latter is described as supporting the positive economic, social, and environmental connections between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
Our aim is to act as a driving force for regional wellbeing and to build employment and collaboration not only locally but also on a provincial, national, and European scale. We measure our impact by monitoring our tax footprint and engaging in selected networks. This also includes charitable activities, especially during the holiday season.
Supporting families during the holidays
One of the ways we contribute is by partnering with a local charity association, Moms for Kids, to support families in need. Financial donations collected are used to purchase gift cards for groceries, which are distributed to families with children who are struggling financially. Families assess their own need for support and reach out for assistance.
“This is the simplest way to help. It ensures that families can save money for the specific gifts their children have wished for. The funds go directly to those who need it most,” says Annukka Navis, the association’s director.
The charity emphasizes the importance of personal connections.
“Meeting the families who receive support is crucial for us. It allows us to hear their gratitude directly and ensures the help is meaningful,” Navis adds.
Charity in Kouvola
We also contribute to a charity initiative in the Kouvola area. This project delivers holiday gifts to children and young people in disadvantaged families. All donations go directly to the recipients through an official local volunteer network, ensuring there are no intermediaries or administrative costs.
Long-standing support for church-based aid
For several years, Mäkelä Alu has made donations to the diaconal work of the local parish. Diaconal work, which is governed by church law, is dedicated to helping those in the most vulnerable positions. However, our donations are not linked to this legal framework but are instead an act of goodwill during the holiday season.
“We always warmly welcome Mäkelä Alu’s donations. They are incredibly important, as we lack the budget for such support otherwise. These contributions are directed straight to families with children in our community who have reached out to us for help,” says Marja-Terttu Akonniemi, a deacon in the Alajärvi parish.
The donations are typically used to purchase gift cards for local grocery stores, which families can use for essentials or gifts for their children.
“This keeps the funds within our community and ensures they directly benefit local families,” Akonniemi emphasizes.
A growing need for help
The need for assistance continues to grow, and anyone can find themselves in a situation where they require support. With thoughtful evaluation, church workers ensure that donations are allocated to the families who need them most.
TAX FOOTPRINT: €16.7 MILLION
Last year (2023), our tax footprint amounted to €16.7 million. This figure represents the tax revenue and tax-like payments generated by our operations for society. It includes corporate income tax, employee income taxes, and value-added tax (VAT), among others.
