For the seventh time, employees of the Finnish family-owned companies Kiilto and Insta had the opportunity to vote on the recipient of a €10,000 joint charity donation. Once again, the wellbeing of children and young people resonated most strongly with employees. This year’s donation will support youth mental health through MIELI Mental Health Finland.
At Kiilto and Insta, the annual spring vote on the joint charitable donation has become a valued tradition. Choosing where to cast a vote is not always easy, as the list often includes several important causes.
“We aim to include a diverse selection of socially significant organizations and timely topics in the vote. Employees have typically been able to vote for environmental initiatives, support for the wellbeing of children and youth, or assistance related to the situation in Ukraine. This year, a local organization – the Tampere Mother and Child Home and Shelter – was included on the list for the first time,” says Tiina Niemi, Communications and Wellbeing Specialist at Kiilto, who coordinates the voting.
"Youth mental health clearly resonates strongly with both Kiilto and Insta employees. The three most popular causes this year were all related to children and young people. Supporting youth mental health through MIELI Mental Health Finland was the clear winner, receiving one-third of all votes. A warm thank you to all 377 employees who participated,” Niemi adds.
Helping young people navigate uncertainty about the future
According to MIELI Mental Health Finland, eco-anxiety and declining confidence in the future are currently significant concerns among young people. The climate crisis, environmental change, biodiversity loss, and other perceived threats to the future can trigger feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, or anger. Uncertainty about the future can affect young people’s mental health and overall wellbeing.
A donation is one way to help, but mental health work can be supported in many ways. Because mental wellbeing is built from many factors, it is important that support is available in multiple forms.
Through MIELI Mental Health Finland, everyone has the opportunity to help. Volunteering can also bring meaning and joy to one’s own life. People can support young people by volunteering in the Sekasin chat service, helping organize events, contributing to communications and marketing, participating as an association volunteer, or becoming a supporter. Read more about volunteer opportunities on the MIELI Mental Health Finland website.
Long-term responsibility for our shared future
For employees at Insta and Kiilto, participating in the charity vote is simple—casting a vote takes just one click. But what does this kind of collaboration between companies mean for employees?
“I wanted to participate in the vote because it allows me to support causes that matter to me, such as the wellbeing of young people. It’s important to me that the donated funds are used as effectively as possible and reach those who need them most. It’s great that employees at Kiilto can help decide which charitable causes we support,” says Minna Soikkonen, Sales Assistant at Kiilto.
“For us as family-owned companies, it is important that our values are not just words but are reflected in concrete actions and long-term commitments. The fact that our employees have chosen to support the wellbeing of children and young people for the third consecutive year demonstrates genuine care and a shared commitment to taking responsibility for the future.
We believe that a safe everyday life is built through actions. By supporting the mental health of children and young people, we strengthen trust and every young person’s right to safe support and a listening adult. Together with our employees, we want to build hope and security and create a decisive impact for future generations,” says Niklas Mattsson, Vice Chair of the Board at Insta Group
A collaboration between two Pirkanmaa family companies
As family-owned companies based in the Pirkanmaa region, Kiilto and Insta have long been familiar with each other. Their charitable collaboration began when Kiilto’s well-known blue adhesive cartridge landmark had to be relocated due to the construction of the Ratina shopping center. It was moved to Insta’s property in Sarankulma, Tampere.
At the same time, the companies’ owners agreed to establish a joint annual vote and a €10,000 charity donation as part of the collaboration.
Previous donation recipients include:
2024 ja 2025: Mannerheim League for Child Welfare – supporting youth mental health work
2022 ja 2023: Assistance for Ukraine
2020 ja 2021: Youth mental health support through Yeesi ry
Additional 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
