PKN Orlen S.A featured in the 2022 Responsible Care Awards Gallery: “Supporting Ukraine and a sustainable EU society”
PKN ORLEN played an important role in supporting people who fled war. Its activities were targeted both at the conflict areas and refugees arriving in Poland. Thanks to its cooperation with the ORLEN Foundation, PKN ORLEN implemented a number of activities to support the Ukrainian society at this difficult time. They involved a wide range of stakeholders: their employees, NGOs and customers. They helped thousands of refugees who have come to Poland.
Stopover points (tents)
The ORLEN Foundation organised stopover points (tents) in four locations (ORLEN fuel stations) on the Polish-Ukrainian border where refugees, often after several or more hours, could eat something warm, get warm and find out how and where they can seek further help. They were deployed in Hrubieszów, Zamość, Radymno and Ustrzyki Dolne. From April to mid-May this year, a similar ORLEN Foundation point also operated at Warsaw’s Central Railway Station.
Organisation of accommodation for refugees
At the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine, PKN ORLEN declared its readiness to host refugees, mainly mothers with children, at the company-owned “Petrochemia” hotel in Plock. Currently the hotel accommodates children and adults, for whom the company provides accommodation, free meals and psychological care. In addition, in May this year they have put the Dębowa Góra Hotel, part of the ORLEN Group, at the disposal of the town. Mothers with children and senior citizens found shelter there.
Day care centres for refugee children
The ORLEN Foundation organised daycare centres with a wide range of activities for children of different ages at the reception points of the largest refugee halls in and around Warsaw: the Global Expo Trade Fair and Congress Centre, the Central Sports Centre at Łazienkowska Street in Warsaw and the PTAK Warsaw Expo Hall in Nadarzyn near Warsaw. Children were also given the opportunity to visit museums combined with participation in workshops and Polish language lessons.
Handover of Starlink online kits
Operating as part of the Starlink telecommunications system, PKN ORLEN donated internet connection kits to Ukrainian citizens. The IT equipment delivered to the target sites ensures fast internet access for the civilian population and thus information flow and uninterrupted communication.
Cinema for children
“Cinema for children from Ukraine” is a project of the Operation Mobilisation Association funded by the ORLEN Foundation. As many as 50 days of film screenings for children and their caretakers in the Ukrainian language have been planned in the refugee centres throughout Poland, including cities like Płock, Warsaw, Katowice, Kraków, Żywiec, Łódź, Lublin, Kutno and Bielsko-Biała. Their aim is to organise free time for children who stay in the refugee residence halls. The screenings are accompanied by information and education activities on the protection and safety of children who had to flee Ukraine with their parents. Families in difficulty are provided with emotional support.
VITAY points
The company enabled drivers refueling at ORLEN fuel stations to donate points in the VITAY loyalty programme to humanitarian aid for Ukraine. For every 1000 VITAY points collected by the loyalty programme members, PKN ORLEN donates PLN 5 to help Ukraine, and for every 5000 points – PLN 25. It is possible to donate multiple amounts of points.
ORLEN Parcel service
As part of the ORLEN Parcel service, the company has made it possible to donate the most necessary items, which can be sent free of charge in all parcel machines in Poland. On the ORLEN Paczka website, the “Help Ukraine” tab was launched, where visitors could find a verified list of current needs and send products via the system of over 1000 ORLEN Parcel machines. In cooperation with the General Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Lviv, the parcels will eventually reach the civilian population in Ukraine.
Support for the youngest Ukrainian athletes in Wisła Płock Academy
PKN ORLEN has offered the continuation of football training to the youngest Ukrainian athletes who are staying in Plock with their families. Under the supervision of professional coaches, training sessions are held as part of the cooperation between the Wisła Płock Academy and the Youth Sports Association of the Płock club.
Aid in kind
A few days after the outbreak of the war, 30,000 litres of petrol were donated to the town of Przemyśl. The fuel was used to transport people who crossed the border in Medyka to reception points in Przemyśl. In addition, together with the Polish company PKP Intercity, PKN ORLEN responded to the appeal of the Ukrainian railway and donated food to Kiev. Products from the company’s petrol stations were loaded onto a train that set off for Ukraine. The rapid action would not have been possible without the commitment of many volunteers.
PKN ORLEN employees
Employees were very active in helping refugees as part of the Employee Volunteer Programme organised by the ORLEN Foundation. In addition, a collection of in-kind donations was organised at the company’s branches. They were given to Ukrainians arriving in Poland and were also transported by the ORLEN Foundation in humanitarian convoys to Ukraine.