At PPL we believe that when energy, determination and goodwill come together, something exceptional is created. The second year of our company-wide PPL in Motion challenge was not only about sport, but above all about solidarity. Thanks to the commitment of our colleagues, we were able to support the children of the Pyšely children's home with gifts in kind that will brighten their everyday lives and help them pursue their interests.
Moving for a good cause
In cooperation with the organisation Dejme dětem šanci (Give Children a Chance), this year we supported the Pyšely children's home, which is home to 40 children aged 4 to 18. For every kilometre we contributed a symbolic amount, which our management then multiplied, and together we built up a generous budget for gifts in kind to make the children's everyday lives more enjoyable.
After consulting the home's director, Hana Juřenová, we bought equipment that will help the children at home as well as in sport and leisure activities – from toasters and washing machines through sports gear to a paddleboard, which was an instant hit.
Joy that makes a difference
At the Pyšely children's home the children live in family groups, where they learn independence, cooperation and how to look after a household. The new equipment will help them in practical terms and will also motivate them to be active, to create and to share experiences. As the director puts it: “The children value the gifts and are learning that nothing can be taken for granted. The paddleboard made them happiest – we already have a waiting list for it.”
How does the home work and how pleased were the children with the donated items? We asked the director of the children's home, Hana Juřenová, directly.
What does everyday life look like for the children at the home?
“The children here live in six family groups of eight. Each group has girls and boys of different ages, and siblings are always placed together in the same group. Every group has its own carer, whom the children only ever call uncle or auntie. They do their homework together, take care of everyday household chores and cook meals together at the weekend. At the moment we have 40 children at the home, aged 4 to 18.”
What about schooling? Do the children also attend any after-school clubs?
“The home does not have a school of its own, so from pre-school age the children attend nurseries and schools in Pyšely and the surrounding area. We have several children with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions, so we tailor each child's education to their individual needs. The children take part in hobby activities both at the home and outside it. They go to pottery and dance classes, learn the recorder and other musical instruments, we have several footballers here and also one member of the Klub mladého diváka (Young Theatregoers' Club). The home has a music room, a gym and extensive outdoor grounds with a playground and a sports pitch, where the children can let off steam, ride their bikes or play ball games.”
Which gifts made the children happiest?
“The paddleboard, without a doubt. Our carers have already had to draw up a waiting list so that all the children get a turn. With the carers' help the children are also doing their laundry in the new washing machine, which we were very glad to receive, because the old one really had reached the end of its life. We will unpack the other gifts gradually, so that the children learn to value them and do not take them for granted. Thank you very much to all your colleagues and to the whole company for this generous help, which we truly appreciate.”
The director adds in closing:
“Working with children is demanding at times, but it is wonderful. I have worked at the home for 20 years and countless girls and boys whom fate did not grant a happy family have passed through my hands. That makes it all the more rewarding to see the progress they make within their community, and I am very glad I can be there as they gradually learn to stand on their own two feet.”
Thank you for every kilometre
A big thank you to all the colleagues who took part in the challenge. Thanks to you, we were once again able to bring joy where it is needed most. 💙