Donations received and spending for victims of the war in Ukraine
OTTO Work Force feels deeply involved in the situation in Ukraine, partly because OTTO operates in the Ukrainian market with 3,000 international employees, 100 staff members and seven local offices. Undeniably, we have been affected by the war: we had to close five offices and many employees (with their families) have fled. It is also about our people, and we help them when needed. We take care of our people – this is our motto to which we are truly committed. Because of our solidarity with Ukraine and the war victims, a crisis team was set up in Poland in the early 2022. The team worked mainly on:
- reuniting Ukrainian families in Poland and cooperating with local authorities;
- providing adequate communication and information, such as our 24/7 helpline;
- financial support to our employees by means of early payments and higher advances.
In this context, OTTO Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign for the victims of the war in Ukraine. This campaign was expanded to our staff members and international employees in 15 European countries in which we operate, as well as to clients and other OTTO stakeholders. The money raised was used to support local relief organisations and projects. Every euro donated for the victims was doubled by OTTO Work Force.
One of our projects is the OTTO Centre in Biskupice Podgórne, Poland. This reception facility is a safe haven for Ukrainian families and a way out of the problems they face. The facility has been provided with furniture and equipment in collaboration with IKEA.
On the National Children's Day in Poland, we organised a family picnic with many fun activities for the residents of our centre. We believe that initiatives like the family picnic are a source of joy, hope, and will to fight for a better future for the residents.
We received 50 bicycles from Dekkers Tweewielers for the refugees in our reception centre. This beautiful initiative was doubled by OTTO Foundation, and so a total of 100 bicycles went to Poland for the refugees from Ukraine.