We support our employees

As an employee of one of the VKR Group’s companies around the world, you are eligible to apply for a grant to benefit you personally and your immediate family. You must have been employed within the Group for at least one year, although dispensation from this requirement may be granted in special cases. We define an employee’s immediate family as the employee’s spouse/co-habiting partner and children under the age of 30 years.

In times of distress

The Employee Foundation may grant support in the event of death, accident or illness with serious consequences affecting employees or their immediate family. The financial support may be spent on medical care or remedial arrangements, but may also be granted for encouragement at a time of distress.

Education

We can grant financial support to assist the employees’ children in completing their final education. The applicant must be under the age of 30, and have completed at least half of the education. Support is granted for both vocational training and academic education.

Volunteering

The Employee Foundation organises a trip for employees who want to spend a week’s holiday on doing voluntary work in a construction project. The project is organised in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity. Read about our Live a Dream programme.

Senior life

Financial support is also granted for initiatives to benefit current and former senior employees. This would be clubs or associations for senior employees, early retirees and retired employees. Applications for support are granted once a year at the 4th board meeting.

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Donation stories

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NB Polska, Poland – Miłka

Miłka, a 20-year-old daughter of Magdalena Witaszczyk, NB Polska, Poland, struggled with a severe cartilage disease that deformed her knee joint. Over the course of a year, her condition worsened, leaving her unable to lead a normal life or engage in physical activity, with the risk of permanent disability.

As a devoted mother, Magdalena did everything to prevent her daughter from losing her mobility and youth. With the support of the Employee Foundation, Miłka underwent an innovative, costly knee surgery in the summer of 2024. The procedure was a success, and Miłka’s recovery was quick, transforming her life.

“I am deeply grateful to the Employee Foundation for their invaluable support. Thanks to this surgery, Miłka regained her strength and mobility,” says Magdalena.

Today, Miłka can fully immerse herself in her greatest passion: scouting. As a leader of the youngest cub scout group, she instills values of patriotism, independence, and a deep connection with nature. Through her involvement in the hiking group, Miłka can explore the beauty of the natural world, guiding young scouts on outdoor adventures and helping them develop a love for the wilderness.

Miłka is also happy to be able to actively participate in sports at university — an opportunity she once thought was beyond reach.

Miłka’s recovery is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, determination, and community support. Thanks to the Foundation, she now has the chance to live life to the fullest.

EgoKiefer AG, Switzerland – Johanna

Johanna, the daughter of Andreas Moll, EgoKiefer AG, Switzerland, received an educational grant to support her studies:

“Throughout my academic journey, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, merging technical and creative elements”, she explains. Captivated by both arts and technical skills from a young age, her family’s appreciation for these fields nurtured her passion.

She continues: “Receiving the grant significantly impacted my education, enabling me to purchase essential design software and materials for architectural models. It also allowed me to embark on excursions, broadening my understanding of architecture across cultures”.

As she progressed, she developed a keen interest in sustainable architecture and heritage conservation. She believes the most sustainable structure is one that already exists. Looking ahead, she aims to focus on sustainability and conservation in her career, applying to master’s programs dedicated to these areas. “The grant not only supported my education but also shaped my future aspirations, aligning my career with my values”, she concludes.

Gåsdal Bygningsindustri, Denmark – Esben

Esben Hauge Olesen has been with Gåsdal Bygningsindustri A/S, Denmark, since 2006, starting as a production employee and later training as an automation technician. Since 2017, he works as an automation programmer at the Technology Centre in Skjern, Denmark.

In spring 2023, he experienced sudden stomach pain that worsened over weeks, leading to difficulty eating. He explains:

“After multiple doctor visits and a hospital stay, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which caused severe constipation. Despite attempts to manage it medically, I underwent surgery to remove the affected intestine. I lost nearly 30 kg during this ordeal and faced several re-hospitalisations”.

He continues: “Throughout my recovery, my manager and colleagues provided immense support. The Employee Foundation’s assistance made me feel valued by the whole company, alleviating my concerns about leaving my team. My manager facilitated the application process, making it seamless”.

By February this year, he was fully recovered and has since returned to work, feeling well and adapting to his condition. The support from his workplace has been invaluable during this challenging time.

VELUX Magyarország LKR Kft., Hungary – Bálint

Bálint’s journey into the house painting profession was inspired by his grandfather, a seasoned housepainter. He began by helping renovate their family home, which not only sparked his passion but also provided him with foundational skills and a deep appreciation for the artistry involved in house painting.

Bálint wisely invested his educational grant to acquire essential tools and equipment, demonstrating his commitment to excellence.

Looking ahead, Bálint is optimistic about his career prospects. The region is experiencing a surge in demand for skilled workers, driven by increased housing construction and renovation projects. This trend offers numerous opportunities for Bálint to establish himself in the industry. Bálint is the son of an employee at VELUX Magyarország LKR Kft. in Hungary.

NB Polska – Filip

Bartosz Friedrich is an employee at NB Polska, Poland, and a devoted father of three children. During a routine visit to an optician for one of Bartosz’s daughters, the optician suggested checking the sight of his other children, a chance event that led to 5-year-old Filip’s sight defect being discovered.

The examination started with the right eye – 100% healthy, but examination of the left eye revealed only 20% function, due to a genetic defect.

With the help of glasses, Filip’s eyesight improved to 50% and he now enjoys playing with LEGO®, doing puzzles and drawing. He willingly puts the glasses on by himself, which underlines the impact they have on his life and well-being. Filip needs an eye operation in the future.

VELUX Hungary – László

László Tóth, married to Mónika Benke-Tóth of VELUX Magyarország LKR Kft., Hungary, experienced a sudden heart attack. The cause is unknown and he underwent a pacemaker implantation. After 53 days in the hospital, he had a rehabilitation stay in a sanatorium and is well on the way to recovery.

Family support, especially from László’s adult daughters, has been crucial, along with help from the workplace, colleagues and friends.

His illness had a huge impact on the family’s two youngest daughters, but fortunately Mónika had the strength to provide care and manage the situation, although being there during László’s treatment was an extra burden.

Mónika is optimistic and appreciates that her husband can gradually participate in family events.

”I am deeply grateful for the Employee Foundation’s financial support, which contributed to the continued rehabilitation of László and a happy time for the children”.

Thyregod Bygningsindustri, Denmark – Bjørn

School has not always been fun or pleasant for Bjørn, who experienced bullying and cognitive problems due to dyslexia. A stay at a special continuation school on the small island of Hjarnø, Denmark, was just what he needed. The school believes in plenty of exercise, small classes, teaching help for each pupil and providing the necessary IT equipment, such as PC plus reading and writing programmes for dyslexic pupils. The result was a happy boy who is thriving, getting more benefit from his lessons and who has improved his grades throughout the year.

Bjørn’s father works at Thyregod Bygningsindustri, Denmark, and is delighted about the Employee Foundation’s support for Bjørn funding his stay at the special school, a burden too heavy for the family to bear alone.

”I really like being at the Lifestyle Boarding School Hjarnø. I’ve made new friends and enjoy the active lifestyle with football, pool and plenty of opportunities for swimming as there is water close by. I plan to spend two years there and then hope to train as a mechanic and maybe also a long-distance truck driver”.

Healthy habits 2022

Safety

When we are at work, we follow the company’s safety guidelines so that we do not get hurt or hurt others. But when we leave the workplace, we often forget to take those good safety habits with us. And the fact is that most accidents happen in our own homes.

Learn about the programme

Employee Purposes