Providing young people with a place to meet
A community problem was developing in Piteå in northern Sweden, as young people were struggling to find suitable places to meet up, especially in the winter when it is cold and snowy.
With no indoor locations available, young people were coming together in unsuitable places such as fast-food restaurants, and occasionally fights and other anti-social behaviour were erupting. The police also noticed an increase in the use of alcohol and drugs among the youth in the town.
The Smurfit Kappa team took action. They partnered with a local soccer club and arranged for regular activities to take place in the evenings and during school holidays, giving the young people somewhere to meet and providing well organised activities for them to enjoy. Since January 2023, over 2,000 young people have taken part in the activities, and more are planned for the months ahead.
The initiative has also reached out to refugees in the area and strengthened inclusiveness in the community. As it gathered momentum, other businesses got involved in the initiative and it continues to make a lasting, positive impact in the community.
Smurfit Kappa has a deep commitment to supporting the communities in which we live and work and championing the vulnerable. Each year our employees continue to generously given their time, energy, and expertise, to empower communities, encouraging wellbeing, inspiring future generations and protecting our planet.
In our heart-warming 'Our Open Community' booklet, we're proud to share with you just a snapshot of some of the inspiring activities that have taken place.