Steps for Change: How 5,000 Employees Are Running for a Better Future

In the heart of Finland, a movement is brewing. Over 5,000 employees from five major companies are lacing up their sneakers for a cause that transcends the ordinary. The #Steps4Tukikummit campaign is not just a charity event; it’s a collective heartbeat, a pulse of hope for underprivileged children and youth.

This spring, the Tukikummit Foundation is set to launch its second major campaign, aiming to raise over €150,000 through the simple act of moving. Each kilometer run, walked, or cycled contributes to a greater goal: providing recreational opportunities for those who need it most. The campaign kicks off in March and culminates in the Helsinki City Running Day on May 17, 2025.

A Collective Effort

The campaign unites five influential companies: PwC, CapMan, Otava Group, Aktia, and SAM Headhunting Finland. These organizations are not just corporate entities; they are communities committed to a cause. They understand that the well-being of children and youth is a shared responsibility.

Last year’s campaign raised €100,000, a testament to the power of teamwork. This year, the stakes are higher. The goal is ambitious, but so is the spirit of collaboration. Employees, customers, and partners will join forces, turning physical activity into a source of funding. Every step taken is a step toward a brighter future for children who face the harsh realities of marginalization.

The Reality of Marginalization

In Finland, one in ten children lives in a family struggling to meet basic needs. The costs of recreational activities have soared, leaving many low-income families on the sidelines. Team sports, once a rite of passage, have become a luxury.

Studies reveal a stark truth: engaging in hobbies is one of the most effective ways to combat marginalization. It builds self-esteem, fosters social connections, and provides a sense of achievement. Hobbies are not mere pastimes; they are lifelines. They offer children a chance to dream, to belong, and to thrive.

A Model for Change

The #Steps4Tukikummit campaign is more than a fundraising effort; it’s a model for sustainable cooperation. It challenges other companies to join the cause, creating a ripple effect of support for underprivileged youth.

Participating companies are not just donors; they are active players in the game of social responsibility. They recognize that supporting recreational opportunities for children enhances their own workplace culture. Team spirit flourishes when employees unite for a common goal. It’s a win-win scenario, where corporate values align with community needs.

Voices of Change

Leaders from participating companies echo the sentiment of unity. They emphasize the importance of recreational activities in building confidence and a sense of belonging among youth. The campaign is a call to action, urging more organizations to step up and make a difference.

The Tukikummit Foundation, founded in 2007, has already made significant strides. With over €7 million distributed in grants, it has directly impacted the lives of countless children. The foundation’s mission is clear: to provide support for recreational costs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in activities that enrich their lives.

The Road Ahead

As the campaign gears up, the excitement is palpable. Employees are not just participants; they are ambassadors of change. They are running for a cause that resonates deeply within their communities.

The culmination of the campaign at the Helsinki City Running Day will be a celebration of collective effort. It will be a day where miles run translate into hope and opportunity for children who need it most.

In a world often divided by challenges, the #Steps4Tukikummit campaign stands as a beacon of hope. It shows that when people come together, they can create waves of change. Each step taken is a testament to the belief that every child deserves a chance to shine.

Conclusion

The #Steps4Tukikummit campaign is more than just a charity event; it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that together, we can overcome barriers and build a brighter future for our youth. As 5,000 employees prepare to run, walk, and cycle, they are not just counting kilometers; they are counting on each other.

In the end, it’s about more than just numbers. It’s about lives changed, dreams nurtured, and futures brightened. The road ahead may be long, but with every step, we move closer to a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can run for change.