The 10th IdealDay took edenredians to Puotila

In June, we once again celebrated Edenred Group's IdealDay across all 44 Edenred countries. IdealDay is a day dedicated to charity work, and it's a concrete moment to pause our daily routines and devote one working day to support local communities, environment and sustainability.

For many edenredians the day has become a tradition: a pleasant way to do good just before the summer holidays. This year we celebrated a milestone as IdealDay was held for the 10th time!

Combating harmful invasive species in Puotila

Although the day is held globally, each Edenred country chooses its own charity project. This year, together with our colleagues in Finland, we headed to Puotila in Helsinki. The mission for the day was to help tackle harmful invasive species, with a particular focus on giant hogweed.

Under the guidance of the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Team, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work toward our shared goal. The work was physical but highly rewarding, and we could immediately see the tangible impact of our efforts on the local environment.

According to the project manager from the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Team, the volume of work we accomplished was equivalent to more than twice the participants’ hours. Although the work was physically demanding, our team’s combined effort quickly produced tangible results. Without our team’s help, clearing the area of invasive species would have taken weeks – we did it in two hours, says Edenred’s HR & Engagement Specialist Helmi.

Why is combating invasive species important?

Harmful invasive plant species, such as giant hogweed, are not native to Finland. Their spread can have surprisingly wide-ranging effects. They displace local vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and can quickly take over large areas, altering entire ecosystems.

Some species are also harmful to people. Giant hogweed is a prime example: its sap causes burning sensations and, when exposed to sunlight, chemical burns on the skin, as well as respiratory symptoms. In addition to the sap, the plant releases compounds from its roots into the soil that hinder the germination of other plants’ seeds and the growth of seedlings. As a fast-growing and large species, giant hogweed casts dense shade over other vegetation, taking away space from native plants.

Due to these numerous negative impacts, the presence of giant hogweed affects the comfort and enjoyment of an area – and can even lower property values on affected plots.

10 years of doing good together

Over the past decade, IdealDay has given Edenred colleagues the chance to take part in a wide range of charitable activities. Over the years we have, for example: 

• cleaned up natural areas and beaches
• supported food aid initiatives with Hurstin Apu
• donated blood
• sorted clothing donations under the guidance of Hope Ry
• spent time with older people with the support of Seurana.

IdealDay reminds us each year how small actions can have a big impact. The day matters not only to our local communities but also to our employees: it builds team spirit, brings new perspectives and, above all, makes our sustainability work tangible. Perhaps most importantly, the effects of the day last well beyond the single day itself.