Responsibly, for the future

– How does Smurfit Westrock help local communities and what are the criteria for this?

-Every year we donate approximately EUR 20,000 to projects supporting local schools, sports clubs, various non-governmental organisations and educational institutions. The applications submitted first undergo a rigorous evaluation and review process at our headquarters in Dublin, where the Smurfit Westrock Foundation is based.

– What projects are you working on at the moment?

-Our latest initiative – submitted at the beginning of 2024 – sets out to build an inclusive traffic playground. We are collaborating with the city and the Micimackó nursery, which is the largest institution of its kind in Párkány. We would like to create a playground equipped with various vehicles and traffic signs, so that children can learn the basics of road safety in a playful way.

– In which phase is the project right now?

– We submitted the investment proposal at the beginning of last year and the EUR 80,000 development is the largest single financial contribution that Párkány has received from Dublin. The first phase was completed before Christmas and the grand opening of the facility is planned for 30 May 2025.

– Encouraging children’s creativity is also very important. What kind of opportunities do you offer them?

-Throughout the year we give kindergarten and primary school children the chance to develop their creativity in workshops called Handy Hands on several occasions. The materials used are provided by Smurfit Westrock Slovakia plant. In the summer we organise film screenings in cooperation with the city, where the children can assemble small cars made from cardboard, decorate them as they wish and sit in them to watch the film. (x)