Tag: 3BL

Kimberly-Clark’s tissue manufacturing site in Koblenz, Germany is on track to move to 100% renewable energy by 2029.This is expected to reduce carbon emissions at the facility – which produces major brands including Kleenex, Scottex, Scott, WypAll, Page and Hakle – by approximately 50,000 MTCO2e per year, equivalent to 6,700 homes’ energy use for one year[1].The transition is enabled by a Carbon Contract for Difference Award from the German Government, combined with Kimberly-Clark’s recently announced multi-country European virtual power purchase agreements.

March 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Kimberly-Clark (K-C), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of personal care and hygiene products, has announced that its manufacturing site in Koblenz, Germany has become the company’s first tissue manufacturing facility globally with a pathway to transition its operations to 100% renewable energy. The site will electrify its heating needs as well as source its electricity demand via a portfolio of European power purchase agreements of offsite renewables. The transition is intended to be completed by 2029 latest.

The move has been made possible by a Carbon Contract for Difference (CCFD) grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), combined with K-C’s recently announced multi-country European purchase power agreements. As a result, toilet paper, hand towels and wipers under brands Kleenex, Scottex, Scott, WypAll, Page & Hakle, manufactured at the Koblenz facility, will be produced with significantly less carbon emissions.

The CCFD is a financial mechanism to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Improvements at the Koblenz site supported by the grant will include switching a natural gas boiler, hood heaters and related infrastructure to electric. These updates will achieve an energy efficiency of almost 99% and remove over 13,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e) annually at the Koblenz facility.

In addition, Kimberly-Clark will source the electricity demand for its Koblenz facility via a portfolio of European power purchase agreements of offsite renewables. The company recently announced the launch of three virtual solar power purchase agreements in Italy and Spain, which will generate enough renewable electricity to cover the total needs of its Koblenz facility, while the European power grid increases its renewable energy capacity. Sourcing offsite renewable electricity to match the site’s electricity needs will achieve a further estimated reduction of approximately 36,000 MTCO2e per year[2].

“Announcing our first Kimberly-Clark tissue manufacturing site globally with a pathway to 100% renewable energy is an incredible milestone that demonstrates how we continue to progress on our decarbonization journey, through innovative cross-sector collaboration” said Lisa Morden, Chief Sustainability Officer at Kimberly-Clark. “We are proud to execute this decarbonization project that will unlock new technologies for Kimberly-Clark, enabling us to tackle the challenge of reducing direct greenhouse emissions, which represent 60% of our total emissions.”

“We are very proud that Koblenz is setting a new standard for sustainable manufacturing at Kimberly-Clark globally” added Paul Sokol, Mill Manager, Koblenz. “We always strive to offer more sustainable products to our consumers and to support our customers’ sustainability goals, and this is a great example of how we can do this.”

K-C’s Koblenz facility also plays a key part in Kimberly-Clark Professional’s RightCycle™ Program[3], through which used hand towels collected in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland are sent to Koblenz and recycled into new tissue products. The program allows Kimberly Clark Professional to manage the final destination of this waste, keeping it out of landfill and incinerators. Used hand towels go through a closed-loop system where customers’ source-segregated waste towels are recycled into new tissue products.

This announcement represents a milestone in K-C’s ambitious drive towards green energy and its global goal to reduce its scope 1 & 2 emissions by 50% against a 2015 baseline. Other recent achievements include:

Installing one of the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic systems at K-C’s manufacturing site at Salamanca facility in Spain, completed in January 2025 (6,500 MWh per year).Installing rooftop solar photovoltaic systems at K-C’s manufacturing site in Cape Town, South Africa in 2024 (3,700 MWh per year);Opening a new £75 million onshore wind farm in Scotland, UK in 2023 (160,000 MWh per year).

Notes for editors: 
[1] Based on the US EPA GHG equivalencies calculator 
[2] Calculated on “market-based accounting”. K-C discloses its scope 2 emissions using both location and market-based methods as directed by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. 
[3] The RightCycle™ trademark was sold by Kimberly-Clark to Ansell Limited in conjunction with the sale of our personal protective equipment business on July 1, 2024. We are currently using the trademark under a transitional license agreement. We will continue to have recycling programs but under a new trademark to be developed in the future.

About Kimberly-Clark 
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional 
Kimberly-Clark Professional partners with businesses to create exceptional workplaces. From innovative restroom solutions to sustainable products, we help businesses achieve their goals while enhancing the well-being of their employees and guests. Key brands in this segment include Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott and WypAll. To see how Kimberly-Clark Professional is helping people around the world to work better, please visit https://www.kcprofessional.com/en-us/.

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On March 20, 2025, T-Mobile announced the latest recipients of its Hometown Grants! 375 communities across 48 states and Puerto Rico are now receiving funding and support to power local projects focused on connection and innovation. This brings T-Mobile’s total investment to over $16 million since the program’s launch in April 2021. With a $25 million goal, T-Mobile is making a real difference in small towns across America. 

Learn more about the impact of these grants and see if your community is one of the recipients!

Submit a proposal for your hometown

See more ways T-Mobile gives back to the community

About T-Mobile

We are T-Mobile, America’s most-loved wireless brand and the Un-Carrier. We are redefining the way consumers & businesses buy wireless network services through leading product & innovation and our expansive 5G network.

TURIN, Italy, March 26, 2025 /3BL/ – More than 40 Otis volunteers from Italy and around Europe recently supported athletes at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, assisting athletes at competition sites and coordinating award ceremonies. Otis (NYSE: OTIS) is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company.

“Otis is proud to support the Special Olympics as we have for more than 30 years in programs around the world,” said Enrique Miñarro Viseras, president of Otis Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We remain dedicated to supporting the organization’s important mission to create a more accepting and inclusive world for people with disabilities. We celebrate the power of sport to unite people and transform lives, and we understand the value of investing time, resources and talent in the local communities where we live and work to help them prosper.”

The Special Olympics World Winter Games, which Otis supported as a sponsor, took place March 8 to 15 in five cities in the Greater Turin Metropolitan region of Italy, with competitions in eight winter sports. More than 1,500 athletes and unified partners from over 100 countries competed in alpine skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, dance sport, floorball, speed skating, and figure skating. Otis colleagues from Italy, France, Germany and Spain volunteered to help stage the alpine skiing and snowshoeing events.

For more than 30 years Otis colleagues have volunteered to support Special Olympics programs in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and in the United States. Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports movement for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with more than 5 million athletes participating in competitions globally. Special Olympics strives to drive change that enables the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in society.

“Otis Italy and the Special Olympics have a long history together, and we are proud to celebrate this year’s first Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy as a sponsor and to support the athletes through the help of our many Otis volunteers. These few days have been filled with enthusiasm, sharing and collaboration, demonstrating the incredible impact of giving back, particularly when it comes to making the world more accessible and connected,” said Costantino Aldé, senior vice president of Otis Southeast Europe & Türkiye. Aldé volunteered at the alpine skiing and snowshoeing events assisting with the award ceremonies.

In advance of the World Winter Games, 30 additional Otis Italy volunteers participated in carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope™ as it traveled through cities in Italy before arriving at the Opening Ceremonies in Turin.

To learn more about Otis’ social impact programs, visit our People & Communities page.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.4 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 44,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Everyone knows dreams come from the heart, and a 3-year-old Columbia boy recently experienced his dream coming true with a little help, and a big heart, from Make-A-Wish South Carolina and Aflac.

Rowan, a Columbia, South Carolina, boy in treatment for cystic fibrosis, received a “wish entry ticket” for him and his family to Walt Disney World last October.

“We celebrate Rowan for his strength and courage. He reminds us of the importance of supporting organizations like Make-A-Wish South Carolina,” said Bob Ruff, senior vice president, Group Voluntary Benefits. “Aflac is proud to help advance the mission of Make-A-Wish South Carolina and bring joy and hope to local children like Rowan who are facing health challenges.”

At the end of 2024, Rowan and his family jetted off to Orlando for their trip. Rowan met many happy characters who love to read, went on fun rides with his family, and posed for pictures of his exciting day.

“It meant the world to our family and Rowan to be able to go and experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” said Rowan’s mom, Angela. “If it weren’t for Make-A-Wish and Aflac, it wouldn’t have been possible!”

Since 2018, Aflac Group has supported Make-A-Wish South Carolina with nearly $60,000 and has helped grant numerous wishes to local children with health challenges. Additionally, Aflac Incorporated has contributed more than $283,000 to Make-A-Wish since 2001.

Make-A-Wish South Carolina is not the only way Aflac and its employees give back to the community. Along with supporting organizations, including the PAWS Humane Society in Columbus, Georgia, Aflac also supports the Boys and Girls Club of America and the United Way.

There’s also a cuddlier, more feathery way that Aflac and its employees give back. Aflac is proud to support children and their families fighting cancer and blood disorders, having contributed nearly $190 million to the cause, including support for Prisma Heath Children’s Hospital-Midlands in Columbia, South Carolina, since 1995.

Relive the magic of Rowan’s trip with his family by looking through the photos above!

Aflac WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, New York 12211 Continental American Insurance Company | Columbia, SC

Z2500128

EXP: 3/26 
 

WK Kellogg Co is thrilled to announce our continued support for the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund this year.

At WK Kellogg Co, we celebrate the farmers and agricultural innovators who care for our land. Our Feeding Happiness™ sustainable business strategy aligns with the mission of the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, and we are excited to continue this meaningful partnership.

Dan Gillespie was a dedicated farmer and a passionate advocate for no-till farming, where farmers don’t plow the fields before planting crops. Instead, they leave the previous crop’s residue on the field. This helps in many ways including reducing erosion by not disturbing the soil, protecting soil health by maintaining the soil structure and keeping the residue in the soil also helps the field retain moisture therefore reducing water use.

“Soil health is the cornerstone of a robust food system, and we are committed to helping young farmers advance regenerative farming practices,” said Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer Sarah Ludmer. “Together, we can build a sustainable future for agriculture.”

After his courageous battle with ALS, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund was established to honor his legacy. This fund allows Dan’s family, friends and fellow soil health enthusiasts to carry on his important work.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund provides grants to support charitable causes and organizations that promote education and practices related to soil health and regenerative agriculture. The fund primarily focuses on Nebraska and the surrounding states where WK Kellogg Co sources corn and wheat from.

Click here to learn more about the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund.

Click here to learn more about Feeding Happiness.

The Trellis Group recently featured Robert Brown and our second annual Triple Net Zero Industry Progress Report as part of GreenBiz25.

This year we expanded the scope the report to a global level, gaining important insight into these companies’ progress towards their sustainability goals. What we learned is that the companies reaching advanced stages in their progress had a few key strategies in common, including:

1. Creating a culture of urgency around sustainability
2. Bridging the sustainability gap across all levels of the organization
3. Recognizing that sustainability teams can’t do it alone
4. Maintaining a long-term focus from day one
5. Overcoming controllable barriers

You can now watch the full interview on Youtube and download our Triple Net Zero Industry Progress report. 

Pizza Hut

We caught up with Tshegofatso Rakwena to hear her thoughts on the Pizza Hut LeadHERship initiative.

Tshegofatso learned about the initiative through the Youth Content Collective (YCC), which was brought to her attention by a mutual friend. Having gone through the LeadHERship program, the most valuable skill Tshegofatso has learned is to be able to take constructive criticism and put pride and joy into what she does. She notes that it didn’t sit well having your faults pointed out, but she understands the way to grow and realises how it will help her later on as a professional in any field.

She now has a side hustle offering small businesses photography and video content services. Tshegofatso’s photography expertise spans events, product shots, fashion, and portrait photography, with a passion for capturing unique moments and stories. She is delighted to be able to recruit a fellow LeadHERShip member. They have a collaborative relationship, continually learn from each other, and grow together. She believes it has been a joy to collaborate with someone who consistently brings fresh ideas.

The versatile approach of Tshegofatso’s team’s allows them to cater to various clients and projects. As CEO, Tshegofatso oversees the organisation’s strategic direction and creative vision. Tshegofatso left the program understanding that there’s no need to compare yourself to anyone, “Comparison is the thief of joy. Some people may have more opportunities or seem to have more luck, but that doesn’t make you lesser than them—it just means it may not be your time yet.”, said Tshegofatso.

March 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, today announced it is an official supporting organization of the MEP 2040 Challenge, becoming the first company in its industry to endorse the challenge. This industry-leading move expands upon the company’s existing collaboration with MEP 2040 to reduce carbon emissions and aligns with Trane Technologies’ ambitious 2030 Sustainability Commitments.

The challenge, initiated by the Carbon Leadership Forum, is a commitment for MEP firms to achieve net zero operational carbon in their projects by 2030 and embodied carbon by 2040. As a supporting organization, Trane Technologies will actively contribute to the challenge’s goals and support MEP firms in working toward their sustainability targets.

“We are committed to a green-for-green approach, pioneering innovative solutions that provide exceptional payback while further driving sustainability,” said Holly Paeper, president, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies. “Our support of the MEP 2040 Challenge underscores our dedication to reducing emissions and embodied carbon across the built environment in support. We look forward to working collaboratively with MEP firms to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.”

As a MEP 2040 supporting organization, Trane Technologies will work alongside other MEP firms to provide resources, expertise and innovative solutions to help them achieve their net zero goals. The company’s portfolio of energy-efficient commercial HVAC systems, building automation solutions and sustainable refrigerants will play a critical role in reducing operational and embodied carbon emissions in buildings.

In 2024, Trane Technologies announced its own commitment to reduce embodied carbon by 40% by 2030, an industry first, building on the Gigaton Challenge, the largest science-based climate commitment of any global company related to product emission reductions within a single decade. Trane Technologies has also pledged to be net-zero by 2050, and its near and long-term emissions reduction targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

“I am delighted to report that Trane Technologies has signed on as a supporting organization for the MEP 2040 Commitment,” said Andrew Himes, director of collective impact for the Carbon Leadership Forum. “Trane Technologies is the first company in its industry to join our movement to radically reduce total carbon emissions associated with building systems through collective action. I applaud the company’s commitment to innovation and leadership in helping to transform the building industry!”

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation. For more information, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

About MEP 2040 
MEP 2040 is a movement to radically reduce total carbon emissions associated with building systems through collective action. In the Fall of 2021, The Carbon Leadership Forum issued a challenge, a group of MEP engineers responded to that challenge by collectively establishing a commitment. Since that time over 80 MEP firms have joined as signatories, actively contributing to the growing body of knowledge through the working groups and quarterly forums. You can learn more about the commitment at www.mep2040.org.

The Latin-derived word “ides” refers to the midpoint of a month. The Ides of March – March 15 – is famous for an act of rebellion on that day in 44 BC when a group of senators assassinated the Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The day marked a turning point in Roman history; for Caesar, of course, it was the ultimate turning point. The Ides of March now signals foreboding – in Shakespeare’s words “Beware the Ides of March” – but a turning point is often what’s needed to improve how people are governed.

Throughout history, people have taken action on March 15 – from the 1917 abdication of the Russian throne by Tsar Nicholas II, to a global strike by 1.4 million students to protest inaction around climate change in 2019, to an 1848 revolution in Hungary that brought reforms by the Habsburg rulers. This year on the Ides of March, 50,000 members of the Hungarian public revisited that successful uprising to protest the autocratic leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

What turning points might be upon us in the journey to a sustainable, just world? In the U.S., we are seeing signs that action at the local level could counteract anti-environmental policies by the recently inaugurated federal government.

Our top story this week is an analysis from Reuters about the growing importance of such action and the power of sub-national actors to bring about real change. In recent years, state-level leadership has come prominently from California (CA), where certain large businesses are required to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate-related risks beginning in 2026. Given the size of California’s economy, this legislation will have impacts that are nearly national in scale.

Building on this legislative precedent, CA State Senator Catherine Blakespear introduced in February a first-of-its-kind state bill, SB 755, to require the largest state contractors to report their GHG emissions and climate-related financial risks starting in 2027. The increase in transparency is aimed at enabling the state to reduce the emissions within its supply chain, supporting the state’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.

“At G&A, we know that transparency ultimately drives action. The introduction of SB 755 is an important first step towards spotlighting the climate-related risks present in California’s supply chain, and it will encourage suppliers to take ownership of measuring and managing their GHG emissions.” – Annie Roberts, Senior Vice President, Climate Consulting, G&A Institute

In other areas of legislation like electric transport and clean air, California is joined by ten other U.S. states in banning the sale of gas-only vehicles by 2035. And Vermont, New York, and California have linked corporate polluters to environmental and health impacts by requiring fossil fuel companies to fund projects that build communities’ climate resilience – a state-level version of the U.S. Superfund act of 1980.

The authors argue that even without federal action, cities and states could cut U.S. emissions by 54-62%, which is needed to achieve the U.S.’ nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. This is “a lot of heavy lifting” for sub-national actors, but according to Nate Hultman, Centre for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, it is possible and indeed was what the Biden administration planned for in the absence of national leadership.

The Reuters story highlights an alliance of 24 state governments that have committed to continue taking climate action. It also notes an 11-state Regional Greenhouse Gas initiative (RGGI, pronounced “Reggie”), a cap-and-trade system for the power sector.

From a business perspective, a strong case remains for states to enact ambitious climate policies – from operational continuity for businesses in each state facing climate impacts, to controlling climate-related financial risk as a good business model.

At G&A, we are ready to support companies in responding to climate and sustainability requirements in the states and local municipalities where they do business, such as California’s nation-leading climate disclosure rules. We can also support municipalities in developing or updating climate action plans and reaching their targets. Find us here.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Originally posted by Action Against Hunger.

After three years of conflict, loss of livelihood and rising prices are increasingly exposing the Ukrainian population to the risk of impoverishment. Currently, 15% of the population suffers from food insecurity, and women and girls are particularly at risk. In regions close to the front line such as Kherson, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, unemployment has reached record levels, leaving many families without resources.

Women-headed households have multiplied due to the military mobilization of men in Ukraine. Facing obstacles in accessing all kinds of services from health services to financial and economic resources, these women are particularly vulnerable to impoverishment. In addition, economic instability, displacement, and conflict all impact mental health, increasing the risk of gender-based violence. Around 2.5 million people in Ukraine are at high risk of such types of violence, including intimate partner violence, conflict-related sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking, and harassment.

To support women’s economic activities and promote their financial independence, Action Against Hunger and the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) are supporting the Center for Economic Recovery and Business Support in Mykolaiv. The project is led by a Ukranian organization called Perspektyva, and in it, women-led businesses rebuild the local economy in their conflict-affected area by providing essential goods and services. Maria, Iryna, Victoria, and Olena are among the 45 women who have received training and subsidies to develop their businesses in Mykolaiv near the front line.

Maria: “Finding clientele wasn’t easy, but today my schedule is full” 

Maria has been a manicurist for 8 years. Originally from Kherson, she had to leave her home and take her three children 37 miles north to Mykolaiv as Kherson was, and continues to be, targeted almost every day by airstrikes. Alone with her three little girls, she had to start all over again.

After a year of hard work, her nail salon is now going strong. “I arrived in a new town without knowing anyone. Finding a clientele wasn’t easy, but now my schedule is full,” Maria explains with pride.

Today, Maria wants to expand her business and take up training, so that she can pass on her knowledge to others. Using a grant from Action Against Hunger, Maria has designed her own training modules and purchased some of the equipment needed to train future manicurists.

“Thanks to the knowledge I gained from the project, I’m now able to calculate my expenses more accurately and plan my purchases, as my business requires constant investment. I also know how to better showcase my services in external communication media, especially on social networks,” explains Maria.

Having been displaced by the conflict herself, Maria is well aware of the difficulties faced by others who have had to flee violence. She therefore wants her services to be accessible to all and adjusts her rates for displaced people.

Iryna: “People heal their souls when they come into contact with creativity” 

Iryna worked in the maritime sector for 30 years. When the war started, she found herself widowed and alone with her two children. Iryna decided to change careers and tap into the desire for creativity that had been with her since childhood.

“I became interested in trashwork, where works are made from garbage, plastic bottles, and natural materials like tree branches. I practiced this type of art for about three years and took part in various fairs, traveling around Ukraine,” says Iryna.

Iryna joined the Ukrainian organization Perspektyva as a volunteer. She organized self-help events based on the principles of art therapy. “I saw that people found it more interesting than just talking; they opened up more. And, as the saying goes, people heal their souls when they do something, when they get in touch with creativity,” she explains.

It was then that Iryna discovered the Center for Economic Recovery and Business Support project and decided to join. In addition to business training to draw up a business plan, Iryna has taken a painting course and is working on cutting and the various trashwork techniques. The grant she received from the project enabled her to buy a laptop and furniture for her creative workshop. Soon, she will buy a printer and jewelry-making tools.

Iryna would like to collaborate with other Mykolaiv-based artists by inviting them to her studio to give classes. She would also like to continue participating in exhibitions and fairs, as well as sell her products on online sales platforms.

Victoria: “I started my business with a mixer that was lent to me” 

Born in Mykolaiv, Victoria worked almost all her life in the civil service. When she went on maternity leave, however, she developed a passion for baking. Victoria had to juggle raising her children with her professional activity for many years. “My children took up a lot of my time, so sometimes I would make my desserts at night. I once spent six hours sculpting Mickey Mouse. It was very beautiful,” she says with amusement.

When she started out as a pastry chef, Victoria studied production techniques and recipes on her own. She wasn’t able to take part in pastry classes because her children could not be alone for long. “In the beginning I had no equipment at all. I started my business with a mixer that someone lent me,” explains Victoria.

Rather than compete with cafés for customers, Victoria offered her services directly to them. She now receives numerous orders and supplies desserts to several Mykolaiv cafés. In 2023, she rented a space to manufacture her products. “This premises is close to my home because I want to be near my children at all times in case of air raids”.

As part of the support offered by Perspektyva, Action Against Hunger, and DEC, Victoria has benefited from sales training to better manage her business. She bought more equipment to replace the old one, increase her productivity, and become more competitive on the market.

Olena: “I was able to purchase cosmetic equipment that will allow me to expand my range of services” 

Olena was born in Krasnodon, in the Luhansk region. In 1993, she decided to move to Mykolaiv, where she studied, married and held positions as financial manager and sales director. 7 years ago, Olena decided to retrain and entered the field of aesthetic cosmetology.

The building Olena used to work at was destroyed by a missile. “Fortunately, my cosmetics and furniture were not damaged,” she says. To escape the bombs, Olena went to Bulgaria for two months, then lived in Kyiv for almost 9 months before returning to Mykolaiv at the request of her customers. She rented a studio and resumed her business.

She went to the Center for Economic Recovery and Business Support to learn more about business practices. “I’d like to thank the instructors who accompanied us during the training for their clarity and responsiveness. This new knowledge enabled me to write a business plan and adjust it. I was also able to purchase special cosmetic equipment that will allow me to expand my range of services,” explains Olena.

In the future, Olena hopes to open a new studio and hire employees. She dreams of creating her own chain of cosmetics studios.

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Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.