Movement for joy: PPL supports children from the Pyšely children's home

At PPL, we believe that when energy, determination, and goodwill come together, something truly exceptional can happen. The second year of our company-wide challenge 'PPL in Motion' was not only about sports, but above all about solidarity. Thanks to the dedication of our colleagues, we were able to support children from the Pyšely Children's Home with material gifts that brighten their everyday lives and help nurture their interests.

 

Moving for a Good Cause 

In collaboration with the organization Dejme dětem šanci (Let's Give Children a Chance), this year we supported the Pyšely Children's Home, home to 40 children aged 4 to 18. For every kilometer covered, we donated a symbolic amount, which was then multiplied by our management—together creating a generous budget for material gifts that brighten the children's everyday lives.

After consulting with the director, Mrs. Hana Juřenová, we purchased equipment that helps the children both at home and during sports and leisure activities. From toasters and washing machines to sports gear—and even a paddleboard, which quickly became a favorite!

 

 

 

Joy with Purpose 

The children at the Pyšely Children's Home live in family-style groups, where they learn independence, cooperation, and how to care for a household. The new equipment not only helps them in practical ways, but also motivates them to be active, creative, and enjoy shared experiences. As director Mrs. Hana Juřenová says: “The children truly appreciate the gifts and are learning that nothing should be taken for granted. Their biggest excitement was the paddleboard – we already have a waiting list for it!" 

How does life at the children's home work, and how did the children react to the donated items? We asked the director of the Pyšely Children's Home, Mrs. Hana Juřenová, directly.

What does everyday life look like for the children at the home?
"The children in our home live in six family-style groups, each with around eight members. Every group includes both boys and girls of different ages, and siblings are always placed together. Each group has its own caregiver, whom the children affectionately call 'aunt' or 'uncle'. Together, they do homework, take care of household chores, and on weekends they prepare meals together. At the moment, we have 40 children living in the home, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years."

What about school attendance? Do the children take part in any extracurricular activities? 

"The children's home does not include a school, so from preschool age onward, the children attend kindergartens and schools in Pyšely and the surrounding area. Some of our children have mental disabilities or psychological conditions, so we tailor their education to their individual needs.

Both within the home and outside of it, the children participate in various extracurricular activities. They attend ceramic workshops, dance classes, play the flute and other musical instruments. We have several football players and even one member of the Young Audience Club.

The home is equipped with a music room, a gym, and a large outdoor area with both a playground and a sports field, where the children can play, ride bikes, or enjoy ball games."

Which gifts brought the children the most joy?

"Definitely the paddleboard. Our caregivers even had to create a sign-up list so that all the children could take turns using it. With the help of their caregivers, the children have also started doing their own laundry using the new washing machine, which we were very happy to receive—our old one had truly reached the end of its life.

We’ll be unpacking the rest of the gifts gradually, so the children learn to appreciate them and don’t take them for granted. We are deeply grateful to all your colleagues and the entire company for your generous support—it truly means a lot to us."

In conclusion, the director adds:
"Working with children can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve been working at the home for 20 years, and during that time, I’ve cared for countless boys and girls who weren’t given the gift of a happy family. That’s why it brings me so much joy to see the progress they make within their community, and I’m truly grateful to be part of their journey as they gradually learn to stand on their own two feet."

 

Thanks for every kilometer

A big thank you goes to all our colleagues who joined the challenge. Thanks to you, we were once again able to spread joy where it’s needed most. 💙