A Thousand Acts of Kindness: Finland’s Largest Aid Event Returns One Last Time

In recent years, many people in Finland have faced economic and social hardships. Inflation, rising prices, and uncertainty have made everyday life particularly difficult for low-income families, students, pensioners, and immigrants. Increasing numbers of people are struggling to figure out where their next meal will come from or how to make it through the month. In times like these, supporting one another is more important than ever.

In addition to food aid, community spirit is at the heart of the #1000deeds event. The event is organized by Commu, a help-sharing app that originated in Tampere, together with its partners.

"The #1000deeds event has always been more than just a food bag or a free lunch. It's a symbol that no one is left alone," emphasizes Karoliina Kauhanen, founder of Commu.  "The event brings together associations, businesses, and volunteers who want to do good. Each of us can help, and everyone deserves to be helped."

A Sri Lankan family who participated in last year’s event described their experience:

"We had just moved to Tampere and had no community or anyone here. Now we do, because so many immigrant families and other people came to the event," the mother shared gratefully.
"We were especially happy to see how our children enjoyed the event. One of our children usually doesn't eat well at home, but here, for once, they ate really well."

Commu and Partners Step Up as Demand for Support Grow all over Finland

Commu's user data shows that the need for help has increased across Finland. Especially needs related to mental health, loneliness, and food aid have grown. Kauhanen highlights the importance of low-threshold help during difficult times:

"Even a small act can mean a great deal to someone in need. Now more than ever, it’s important to take care of each other," Kauhanen stresses.  "These are clearly tough times, both for households and many businesses, and this time it’s affecting our ability to do good too. Still, we are extremely proud and thankful for the partners who were ready to once again make thousands of good deeds with us."

"Hannes Snellman has a long tradition of sustainability work. By participating in #1000tekoa, together with Commun we can concretely address challenges in our society, such as inequality, while promoting human rights, inclusion and community. Partnering with Commun also gives our employees the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in a tangible way."
- Heidi Heinänen, Communications and Sustainability Manager, Hannes Snellman

"Social responsibility and caring for the community are key parts of our sustainability efforts. Helping can improve safety and foster a sense of belonging. Our staff eagerly participated in last year’s #1000deeds tour, so we wanted to keep the goodwill going this year as well.

There are more people in need than ever, so every helping hand and supporter matters. We want to inspire other companies to do good by our example. It’s deeply moving to provide concrete help to 1,000 households and to meet the people who benefit."
- Lars Maura, Director of Sustainability, Siemens Osakeyhtiö

"For us at Tampere-talo, helping is part of our everyday commitment to responsibility. Our mission as a company is to build community and support well-being. At the #1000deeds food aid event, concrete help and caring come together.

The event brings people together and creates meaningful moments. Our support is also visible through the charity tickets we donate—we give Commu users and other organizations the chance to experience culture, because we believe culture belongs to everyone. We’re happy to continue this partnership and be involved in such important work."
- Paulina Ahokas, CEO, Tampere Hall Group

The event is organized by the aid-sharing platform Commu, in partnership with Hannes Snellman Attorneys Ltd, Siemens Osakeyhtiö, the City of Tampere, Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa, Eduix Oy, Arvokas Vanhuus ARVA ry, and Tampere Hall Group together with Akun Tehdas, NoHo Partners, and AiCan.

Food bags include groceries and goods donated by Arla, Leipomo Rosten, Ikea, Jalofoods, Pirkka, and Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa and 24Rent.

Free lunch is supported by NoHo Partners, Tampere Region Vocational College Tredu, Kariniemen, Jalotofu, Novacafi, and Vegepörssi.

Also participating Brave Teddy and Content Corner as the event’s goodwill ambassador, and Viestipaino Oy and Printworks as print partners.