Vajda-Papír supplies hygienic paper products to the reception places of the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service – Hygienic paper products are provided for refugees from Ukraine in accommodation and assistance points.

According to Father Kozma, it is very important for companies to support their work with product donations.

Vajda-Papír donates almost a ton of hygienic paper products to supply refugees from Ukraine. The goods are picked up and distributed by the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service at accommodation and help points for refugees. Attila Vajda, the managing director of Vajda-Papír, Hungary's leading manufacturer of hygienic paper products, said that the donation includes toilet paper, paper handkerchiefs and paper towels, as well as thousands of surgical face masks manufactured by them. He added that as stocks run out, Vajda-Papír is ready to help with new deliveries, as they have been regularly supporting Hungarian families in need with their products for years. Father Imre Kozma, the founding president of the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, said: Masses of refugees have arrived to Hungary from Ukraine since the outbreak of the war. The coordination of the offered accommodation was undertaken by the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, in addition, several temporary shelters have been opened by the charity service across the country, where the hygienic paper donation is of great benefit. Father Kozma emphasized: The action of the Hungarian company is very important and he hopes that more and more companies will follow the good example and, in consultation with the Maltese Relief Organization, will support their work in the emergency situation with product donations.

Vajda-Papír, Hungary's leading manufacturer of hygienic paper, provides the necessary hygienic paper product in Beregsurány, Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc and Győr at the help points operated by the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service. Almost one tonne of donated hygienic paper products will cover the needs of refugees in the temporary shelters. Depending on demand, the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service offers accommodation for between 200 and 400 people in refugee accommodation for a few nights. Two hostels in the capital have been operating at full capacity since the beginning of March, and a third in Budapest can accommodate up to 150 people if needed.

Attila Vajda, Managing Director of Vajda-Papír, highlighted that the outcome of the war is not yet clear, many people will come to Hungary, but it is not known how long and how many will stay. Therefore, if needed, the current donation could be followed by others. "In extraordinary situations, social solidarity is particularly important, and the most effective way to help is to support institutions that care for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine," said Attila Vajda. Vajda-Papír has been working with the Maltese Charity Service to help the people in need and the disadvantaged, and the war in the neighbouring country is again an incentive to help. The donations, worth millions of forints, will be delivered to the central warehouse of the Hungarian Maltese Relief Service on its premises, and the goods will be stored and delivered to the temporary accommodation as soon as stocks run out and the Maltese Relief Service gives a signal, Vajda-Papier will be able to assist with additional deliveries to places supplying refugees fleeing the war," added Attila Vajda.

He reminded that for years Vajda-Papír has placed great emphasis on social responsibility, but now he is particularly proud that not only the company is helping refugees from the war in Ukraine, but the company's employees are also collecting the most important donations, which are also given to the charity. With the help of Vajda-Papír employees, we are collecting durable food, canned meat and meat-free food, tea, biscuits, sugar, baby food, mineral water, as well as hygiene products: diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wet wipes, intimate hygiene products, cleaning products.

Father Imre Kozma, the head of Hungarian Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, and founding president of the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service said: Their mission calls them to help people fleeing war. "The situation of those fleeing the horrors of war is extraordinary, with many families torn apart, many having left everything behind, worried, tired and desperate. It is our job to help them as much as we can, and to wait for them with a bed spread. We have many staff and volunteers working for them, not only at home but also in Transcarpathia. We need to distribute donations to cover the basic necessities of life, even where war is raging. It is those who are left behind who are in the greatest need!" Father Imre Kozma pointed out that the way the country moved surprised them too, although the Hungarians have proven many times that they have a big heart. But it's also very important that not only individuals and communities get involved, but also companies and organisations. In war, there are only losers, but we are also witnessing that love for our neighbours makes us winners.

Father Imre Kozma summarized that the war in Ukraine broke out more than a month ago. Between 24 February and 24 March, the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service provided assistance to some 50,000 refugees, transporting 17,000 people to their destinations and providing accommodation for 8,000 refugees. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service has defined three priority tasks: to help refugees fleeing to Hungary, to contribute with donations to the care of tens of thousands of people waiting in Transcarpathia, with the assistance of the Maltese Charity Service in Beregszász, and to support the integration of families staying in Hungary for a longer period of time. Highlighted: What they need to supply the refugees varies from day to day, and often from hour to hour, so it is very important that companies donate products to support their work in this extraordinary situation.

Almost 100 jobs offered by Vajda-Papír to refugees from Ukraine

Hungary's leading manufacturer of hygiene paper products has not only donated goods, but also offered jobs to Hungarians and Ukrainians fleeing Ukraine, in cooperation with the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, who will provide short and long-term life support and guidance to those fleeing the war, as well as information on available jobs and accommodation. The Vajda-Papír group, which employs more than 650 people, offers job opportunities, a secure income, housing and healthcare at its factories in Dunaföldvár, Székesfehérvár and Budapest. Hungarian citizens have a steady flow of secure jobs, which have been opened up to refugees fleeing the war. Information on job opportunities can be found on the Careers sub-page of the Vajda-Paper website.

Vajda-Papír regularly supports the people in need

The 22-year old Vajda-Papír Group has a long history of social responsibility, and in 2020 the Group will be able to cooperate regularly with the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service and the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God. The "You are all heroes" campaign was launched, with a significant donation of products to the Hungarian Maltese Charity and the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God to help with social and health care in the epidemic situation. The donation covered the annual consumption of more than 1200 people. In May 2021, the company supported the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service's children's programmes. The company has provided 6,000 disadvantaged children with a year's supply of sanitary paper products, and has also donated to kindergartens and primary schools for disadvantaged children as part of the charity's children's programmes "Prevent by Playing!" Playground Programme and the foster parent network, two truckloads of more than 10 tons of sanitary paper products were donated, and in November 2021, hundreds of less advantaged families nationwide were provided with a year's supply of hygienic paper products.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Vajda-Papír was founded 22 years ago as a family business, employing around 650 people at group level. In addition to sales in Hungary, the company's hygiene paper products are exported to more than 30 countries around the world. In 2013, the company also opened a daughter company in Norway, creating more than 130 new jobs.