Solstickan Foundation
A share of the sale price of every box of Solstickan-brand matches is allocated to the Solstickan Foundation - for the benefit of children and the elderly. This is one of several examples of how Swedish Match works with social responsibility.
Honorary Chairman of the
Solstickan Foundation is
Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson.
The Solstickan Foundation was established in 1936 and since then approximately 10 billion boxes of matches have been sold in Sweden, which means revenue of nearly SEK 100 million since its inception. Today, Swedish Match contributes four öre for very box of matches sold under the Solstickan brand and five öre for Soltändaren lighters. Swedish Match also donates additional funds to the foundation since matches are not as popular today as when the foundation was established.
The foundation focuses primarily on assistance for disabled and chronically ill children and the elderly. This occurs through contributions to individuals, schools, associations and organizations. When the foundation was established, its objectives were to supplement direct shortcomings in community support activities. As welfare standards improved, support from Solstickan became increasingly more of a complement to social resources. For about 15 years, another goal has been to inspire and support new ideas and initiatives. Every year, a number of scholarships are granted to postgraduate students at universities and colleges.
Solstickan's success is largely due to it receiving strong support from the retail industry and the media at an early stage. But, most importantly the idea was supported by such an inexpensive and necessary everyday product - only a little effort is needed in order to assist.
The Board of the Solstickan Foundation is elected by the Swedish government. Members consist of highly qualified experts in areas relating to children and the elderly.
The Swedish artist, Einar Nerman, was commissioned to design the Solstickan matchbox label and he created the Solstickan Boy. Today, it is one of Sweden's most recognized symbols and probably one of the world's most widely reproduced artwork.
For further information, please contact:
Stiftelsen Solstickan,
Box 38136
100 64 Stockholm
tel. +46 8-22 06 20
www.solstickan.se
The Solstickan Award
The Solstickan award is presented each year to someone in Sweden who has made a contribution to children or the elderly, and preferably outside the framework of his/her normal professional work. The award was established in 1986 to commemorate Solstickan's 50th year.
The Solstickan Award in 2008 was presented to pediatrician Henry Ascher, with the motivation: “for having worked to ensure that all children who stay in Sweden, either permanently or temporarily, are treated in a manner that complies with the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Children.”