Barefoot path at Kőbányai Kékvirág Óvoda, thanks to Raben

Raben Hungary’s staff was also enthusiastic about the programme, what has been proved by many applications we received. Each application showed a highly valuable and thorough research. The selection was based on three main criteria, namely, creativity, environmental aspects, and caring for the local community. The winning applicant received financial support from the company for purchasing materials needed to change the idea into reality. “I proposed to build a barefoot path in the yard of Kőbányai Kékvirág Óvoda (’Blue Flower’ Kindergarten in the 10th district of Budapest) („Kékvirágos” Ovis Gyermekekért Alapítvány – Foundation for the Children at Blue Flower Kindergarten) for children, which is very useful in the urban environment. The aim of setting up the path is to exercise the spine, to boost blood circulation, to prevent flat feet and to strengthen your muscles in a natural environment. Unfortunately, the kindergarten’s financial position did not enable it to undertake this project, although initiatives of this kind are in constant need”, explained Tamás Horváth, of Raben Trans European Hungary Kft., who came up with the idea.In May 2015, Raben’s staff got together to bring the barefoot path to life. A 40 m long and 60 cm wide walkway was created in the kindergarten yard, with a wooden edging, filled with various materials found in nature: rubble, pebble stones, sand, gravel, turf, arable land, and in the summer – even mud.“Joining forces for a good cause and teamwork proved to be an extraordinary experience. We are proud and happy that we have such enthusiastic employees, who pay attention to their environment and are willing to improve it. We trust that many children will be able to take long barefoot walks on this path, enjoying its special and healthy effects as urban children rarely have an opportunity to experience this”, was the opinion of Ágnes Bolyki, PR and marketing expert, CSR coordinator.On May,12, 2015, children started using the new plaything after an inauguration ceremony. Following the joyful opening address of Mrs. Péterné Béres, the head of Kőbányai Kékvirág Óvoda, children were greeted by Ágnes Bolyki. After that, toddlers tested the path’s natural materials singing lovely nursery songs at the same time.“We would like to say thanks to Raben Group’s staff for their support of our Foundation, enabling us to realise our plans. The lives of many children can now take a positive turn with regard to healthy living. Our kindergarten has always paid great attention to protecting the environment and this barefoot path offering nature-like circumstances increased the range of means available to us for this purpose”, added Mrs. Péterné Béres, the head of the kindergarten.