The “THANKS, Hankook!” Employee Volunteer Program 2022 has kicked off again successfully, thanks to your diverse suggestions and the nearly 100 colleagues who volunteered. This year is a special year: for the 10th time, we have launched our unique charity program. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, besides the 33 projects submitted by you, we are planning a flagship project, which is the development of the Arboretum on Baracsi Road. We talked to Csaba Orosz, President of the Pentele Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, municipal representative of constituency 10 in Dunaújváros, the face of the Arboretum and a dedicated volunteer.
You relationship with Hankook goes back a long time. Can you recall how it all started and what collaborations have you worked on together?
I first got to know Hankook when the factory was being built, when we as firemen used to go out to conduct inspections and drills. Even then the company’s sense of social responsibility was palpable, and when I saw their first charity applications, I didn’t hesitate to join them. Since then, we have worked together on numerous joint projects; some of which that I can recall without exhaustion are: the renovation of the fire brigade base, the forest gymnastics field, the lobby and the courtyard of the Széchenyi High School; and, we have also set up an outdoor gym. Also, in addition, the construction of a wooden bridge in the Pentele district, an adult outdoor gym on the Aranyvölgyi road and a dog playground, which is still unique in the city, are all a result of our joint efforts.
This year, the development of the Arboretum on Baracsi Road in Dunaújváros is a priority project of the “THANKS, Hankook!” program. What is the plan, here?
The Arboretum on Baracsi Road is a little valley in a densely populated part of the city, dotted with trees, with a stream, excellent climate and, since 2010, a petting zoo. We would like to make this small nature reserve even more attractive by renovating and improving the forest school tables, landscaping, and upgrading the forest benches and tables. Plans also include a Kneipp trail and a bunny run. We envisioned a nature park that would provide an idyllic setting for quieter activities, walks and talks, and Kneipp barefoot trails are known worldwide for their health benefits. The HUF 2 million grant from Hankook is enough to buy the necessary renovation equipment, but nothing can replace hard-working hands, which is why this program is fantastic, as it provides not only financial support, but also hard-working helpers, which is invaluable in a project like this.
This initiative is no small task either. What has motivated you to volunteer for decades?
It’s a great feeling to work with others for a good cause. The best thing is when I see that our work has been worthwhile, because people like what we have done and use the community spaces we have created. It is heart-warming to see, for example, the paint peeling off the handles of the gym equipment in the training park from all the use. Seeing these small acknowledgements always puts a big smile on my face and fills my heart with satisfaction. I think that is the greatest reward and motivation for a volunteer.
This year’s “THANKS, Hankook!” projects in numbers:
- 33 approved projects
- 18 million forints support
- almost a 100 volunteer staff members
Anniversary project: renovation of the Arboretum on Baracsi Street
- 2 million forints support
- surprise influencers
- numerous Hankook volunteers