Each year during the holiday season, MuniFin makes a charitable donation based on staff votes. This year two non-profit organisations receive a donation: we interviewed Eveliina Hostila of Hope ry and Liisa Partio of MIELI ry about their work.
Hope ry (short for rekisteröity yhdistys, or registered association) is an organisation that works to ensure all children have an equal opportunity to live a good life. When families are financially struggling, children’s hobbies are especially at risk of being discontinued, or a child may have to miss out on fun activities like birthday parties. Sometimes families might not be able to buy necessities like clothes or hygiene products.
“Each family has their own circumstance that causes a strain to their budget. We help single-parent families, low-income two-parent families, and families undergoing a crisis, such as one caused by a breakup, illness, disability, or the death of a loved one,” says Eveliina Hostila, Executive Director of Hope.
Poverty can cause worry, exclusion from social circles and burnout. There is stigma associated with poverty, even though experiencing poverty is not anyone’s choice.
Supporting children’s hobbies brings joy to the entire family
Hope directs the donations for three causes. Donated items are distributed to families in need, and monetary donations are directed to Hope’s hobby support and other leisure activities.
“Young people should be able to enjoy activities within their everyday life. But when money is tight, something must be cut. The number of applications for hobby support is constantly increasing; that is why we are directing MuniFin’s donation to the hobby program,” Hostila says.
From the perspective of an adult, a missing toy or a hobby may seem like a minor thing. However, these things are particularly meaningful to children. A hobby can be a lifeline for a young person who at school feels like an outsider. It can also be a major part of their identity – for a young football player giving up their team and their jersey number can feel devastating.
To help is to raise hope
Each year, over 9,500 families ask for help, and most of them contact Hope several times a year. The organisation operates fully on donation funds. Volunteers also donate time to sort items, meet families, process hobby applications and help distribute donations.
“The joy of receiving something is as strong as the feeling to be without something. Families often feel overwhelmed that someone really wants to help. It is amazing to see the power of people creating positive feelings: where there is a will, there is hope,” Hostila sums up.
MIELI provides crisis help and strengthens mental health
MIELI Mental Health Finland ry is a registered association that has been in operation for more than 120 years. The main mission of MIELI Mental Health Finland is to promote mental health and prevent issues. A core component of MIELI’s services is its 24/7 crisis hotline.
“The need for help is increasing. Last year we received over 416,000 calls and were able to answer only every fifth call. People are distressed and worried, and topics cover a range of issues from personal relationships to livelihood, illness or simply coping with life. Serious issues, such as self-harm, are addressed on the hotline approximately 18 times daily,” says Liisa Partio, Communications Director of MIELI.
MIELI provides help without a referral during the crisis centre’s reception hours and in the crisis chat service. In addition, MIELI coordinates the Sekasin Collective, which produces the Sekasin chat service for 12-29-year-olds. In Sekasin chat, receiving nearly 160,000 contacts annually, social and healthcare professionals and trained volunteers help young people solve problems.
The holiday season can be challenging for mental health
People can experience anxiety or loneliness during the holiday season. A time of the year perceived as a joyful celebration, spending time inside four walls can cause sorrow and conflicts. Some people spend the holidays alone, some for the purpose of avoiding harmful situations.
Every year MIELI holds a fundraiser to help young people during the holidays. MuniFin’s donation is directed to crisis work so that as many people as possible receive help.
Budget cuts increase the importance of donations
Every other Finn experiences a mental health challenge over lifetime. Strengthening mental health is a task in which anyone can participate. The proportion of donations in MIELI’s funding is currently 10%, but in the future, the importance of donations will be even more crucial.
“The Finnish national budget is being reduced under the current government. As a result, one third of the state subsidies to social and health NGOs will be cut. Changes will set in place as early as next year. I fear in the future these cuts cause more people to be left without the support they need,” Partio says.
“It has been a pleasure to see companies and individuals make donations to ensure that our work can continue. It gives hope for the future. The significance of our work is evident in the feedback we get. Many are grateful to have someone who really listens to them – with an answered phone call, they have the strength to face tomorrow,” Partio continues.