Ilmatar donated sailing experiences for a special cause

This summer, the partnership took on a new and meaningful dimension: in addition to its financial sponsorship, Ilmatar decided to donate the sailing trips included in the agreement for a socially valuable cause — offering real experiences for children, young people, and clients of the Finnish Neuro Society.

Sailing is one of the purest forms of movement. It harnesses the same natural force — the wind — that Ilmatar uses to generate clean energy.

Corporate collaboration as part of social responsibility

“For us, responsibility isn’t just about environmental awareness — it also means taking social responsibility. We support a sustainable future in a holistic way. By supporting organisations that enable equal experiences for all, we aim to promote a more inclusive and fair society,” says Anna-Maria Palmroos, CLO, CHRO from Ilmatar.

“We especially want to support the wellbeing of children and young people by providing opportunities for learning, participation, and new experiences. At Ilmatar, we work toward a cleaner tomorrow by producing renewable energy, so donating sailing experiences to the next generation felt like a natural fit,” Palmroos adds.

The Sail Training Association Finland enables life-changing experiences at sea

The Sail Training Association Finland is a non-profit organisation that provides maritime experiences for children and youth in vulnerable positions as well as for special groups — in collaboration with partners and volunteers.

“Corporate collaboration is vital for us to fulfill our core mission. Ilmatar’s support is extremely valuable — both financially and emotionally. It’s inspiring to see companies stepping up to be part of socially responsible action. We are deeply grateful to Ilmatar for their significant and long-term support,” says Jyrki Myllyperkiö the CEO of STAF.

Moments of good wind that carry forward in life

Thanks to Ilmatar’s donation, clients of Varsinais-Suomen Sosiaalipalvelut, Mannerheim League for Child Welfare’s Youth Home and Turvaverkko operations, the City of Helsinki’s Youth Services, and the Finnish Neuro Society got to enjoy a sailing experience.

For many participants, it was their very first time on a sailboat. During the trip, they learned seamanship skills like handling sails and tying knots — and most importantly, how to function together as a crew.

“The young people gained confidence through new experiences — things they couldn’t have imagined trying, like standing at the bow or hoisting the sails. These kinds of moments build belief in one’s own abilities,” says Luru Natunen from MLL’s Turvaverkko.

According to Natunen, sailing also offered a chance to pause and disconnect from everyday stress. The visually and experientially unique setting helped the youth forget their challenges for a while and opened up space for new perspectives — whether about volunteering, hobbies, or life in general.

“It was great to see how the tasks on board motivated the youth to engage. Collaboration and shared responsibility strengthened their self-esteem and sense of belonging,” says Noora Tuovinen from Youth Home Marjis.

Over the summer, nearly 80 children, young people, and Finnish Neuro Society clients got to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, the power of teamwork, and the joy of achievement.