Åland Post presented a diploma and a bouquet of flowers to youth leader Gustaf Eriksson and Simon Söderlund, head of the youth programme (right).
Åland Post is pleased to donate €1500 from the sale of the 2025 Christmas seals to the youth programme of the Åland Fire and Rescue Association. The grant will support the young Åland firefighters’ participation in an international fire brigade camp in Finland this summer – a meeting place to strengthen both community and knowledge.
Since 1993, Christmas seals from Åland Post have spread festive cheer whilst also doing good for the Åland community. Each year, the surplus from sales is donated to local projects and associations. This year’s recipient is the youth programme of the Åland Fire and Rescue Association.
“We are very pleased to receive this year’s Christmas seal funds. It is a welcome contribution to our youth activities. Among other things, we will use the grant for a joint trip for the Åland youth fire brigades to an international fire brigade camp in Masku this summer,” says Simon Söderlund, head of the youth programme.
Gustaf Eriksson is one of the association’s two youth leaders. Together with Ella Hilander, he assists the head of the youth programme in the practical work.
“We are around 100 young people who regularly take part in the voluntary fire brigades’ youth groups on Åland. Many of us leaders began in a youth group ourselves at the age of 10 to 12. From 16, you can move on to the alarm division and take on more advanced duties and exercises. There is a strong sense of community here, and we learn important skills, such as how to act if there is a fire at home or at school,” Gustaf explains.
About the Åland Fire and Rescue Association
The Åland Fire and Rescue Association is the umbrella organisation for the fire and rescue brigades in Åland. The association is responsible for training volunteer firefighters and works to promote interest in voluntary fire brigade activities. Many firefighters are introduced to the organisation through the youth fire brigades. The youth programme’s task is to encourage continued involvement and organises activities and events for young people.
About Christmas seals
Christmas seals are self-adhesive stickers for decorating cards, letters and packages. Funds from the annual sale are distributed as Christmas seal grants in support of socially useful projects in Åland. Recipients in previous years include the 4-H Åland District, the Red Cross Åland District, Fältarna (youth workers), the Åland Group for Borrelia Research, and the food service program Matbanken.
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