“As part of our corporate responsibility, we wish to promote well-being locally as well. Covid-19 has affected young people’s leisure activities and has overshadowed their well-being. By supporting the Walkers Cars, we are enabling grassroots youth work in areas where there is a particular need for it,” says Kati Ihamäki, Director, Brand and Corporate Responsibility at OP.
The Children of the Station has five Walkers Cars, known as Wautos, which provide a meeting place for young people nationwide, from Uusimaa in the south to Utsjoki in the north. Every year, one Wauto reaches between 5,000 and 8,000 young people, and together they access between 25,000 and 40,000 young people in total. About half of these are young people who have been excluded from or have decided not to take part in other youth activities or recreational activities.
Covid-19 has not prevented Wautos from travelling. On the contrary, they have become safe places to meet other young people in outdoor areas and other suitable locations. Encounters with young people during this period have fulfilled a special need.
“With Wautos, we can reach out to young people who are socially excluded or at risk of social exclusion and offer them support in coping with life’s challenges. Just like for all young people, regular encounters with caring and safe adults usually provide the best support for them. Young people particularly appreciate it when adults are genuinely interested in how they’re doing,” says Minna Lahtela, who is responsible for the national operation of the Walkers Cars at the Children of the Station.
The Walkers on Wheels project brings safe adults to places where young people like to spend their leisure time. The activities have allowed the Children of the Station to gain a better understanding of how young people and youth work are doing across Finland, and to promote opportunities for making a difference to young people’s well-being. The organisation is able to quickly respond to changes in young people’s lives and actively build partnerships with a wide range of partners. This donation represents one aspect of OP’s corporate responsibility.