In 2020, when regular meetings and client visits were cancelled due to the virus outbreak, ABB looked for a way to convey Christmas greetings that would still carry a genuine human touch. “It was a year that made us think differently. When we couldn’t visit our clients in person, we wanted to find a way to bring real warmth into our Christmas greetings. That’s how the idea emerged to support children with special needs, which led us to Porkuni School,” recalled Margita Tuulik, Communications and Marketing Manager for ABB Baltics.
Since then, between 350 and 450 unique cards have been created at Porkuni School each year, with every detail crafted by the children themselves. “No two cards are alike – that’s the beauty of this collaboration,” said Margita. According to her, ABB values both the individuality of the cards and the annual visits to the school. “Those moments in Porkuni are indescribably warm. The children’s excitement and pride as they show their work bring a generous dose of sincere joy every single year.”
For Porkuni School, the collaboration has also become a meaningful tradition. According to Head of School Deli Matson, making the cards is one of the most eagerly anticipated activities of the year for the children. “For our students, creating Christmas cards for ABB is a very important event that signals that Christmas is just around the corner. It’s important for children to experience that their contribution truly matters and brings joy to many people. This builds self-confidence and creates a strong sense of achievement,” she explained.
The cards are made in classrooms and groups with the support of teachers and carers. “Every child can take part in a way that suits their abilities: one draws, another glues, a third chooses details. All the cards are personal and reflect the child’s own thoughts and style,” Deli described.
This year, ABB is supporting Porkuni School with a financial donation to enable a circus and dance therapy week for the children in January, in cooperation with Hiiumaa Circus Farm. This recognised form of therapy helps children with special needs develop everyday skills, self-regulation and self-expression. The week will culminate in a small final performance on 16 January, where ABB representatives are also invited to attend.
Signe Nurms, ABB Country Holding Officer for the Baltics and Chair of the Boards of ABB companies in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, emphasised the importance of consistent community engagement. “As a large company, we have a responsibility to notice the society around us and support initiatives where our contribution can genuinely make a difference. We actively support future talent in technology and engineering, and contribute to our local communities. One of our closest collaborations is with Porkuni School. We are truly grateful that the school trusts us and allows us to be part of their work through this tradition,” she said.
Another visit to Porkuni is planned for the beginning of the new year, and there is no doubt that the card tradition will continue. It is a collaboration that brings joy to everyone involved – the children, ABB, and the clients who receive these unique cards.
