We created a new prototype wooden playground by used wooden pallets, that was symbolically named "Kivotos".
In Kozani, we completed a new innovative project that utilized the principles and practices of circular economy to offer education and empowerment to children but also to enhance the entertainment infrastructure of the Center for Recovery - Rehabilitation, Day Care for People with Disabilities "Kivotos", in Kozani, operating in the country, since 2000. The project "Creating an Ark" was funded by the company, with the contribution of the Cluster of Bioeconomy & Environment of Western Macedonia (CluBE) and the scientific support of the Department of Visual & Applied Arts of the University of Western Macedonia.
Through the project, the artistic skills of the children hosted at the Center were developed, the perception of the wider community about the value of material reuse and circular economy was strengthened and the relationship of the local community with the University of Western Macedonia was further cultivated, through the internship of 35 students who worked at the different stages of the construction of the wooden ark.
The "journey" of the pallet
More specifically, 500 wooden pallets that transported the PV panels to the "Perasma" solar cluster under construction, as well as 6 huge wooden cable drum with a diameter of 1.5m with medium voltage cables used in the project, were the raw material of this important project.
The process was divided into three phases. Initially, last December, the Center used part of the materials to create Christmas greeting cards, decorative ornaments and gifts, which were curated by the children. The children's creations were offered to our employees, and were distributed at the Christmas bazaar of the Center.
Then, students of the Department of Visual & Applied Arts of the University of Western Macedonia created original and utilitarian wooden toys. The objects helped the children of the "Kivotos" to develop their imagination and promote their social inclusion.
The culmination of the project was the creation of the wooden playground named "Kivotos", within the Center's facilities. For its construction, more than 450 man-hours were allocated and natural timber was used, as well as wooden pallets and wooden cable drum from the construction of the "Perasma" solar cluster. The ark can host dozens of children at the same time, being a unique meeting point, coexistence and respect for diversity. The area is covered and suitable for wheelchairs, in order for every child to have free access to the game. To complete the scenery, the remaining construction raw materials were transformed into wooden toys, which have been placed inside the playground.
Projects with social impact
The support to the "Kivotos" project, which annually benefits 120 families in the wider region, is practical proof of our commitment to give back to society. It is yet another initiative in a series of circular economy projects, such as the reuse of old merchandising materials in the context of rebranding in collaboration with Fabric Republic and the creation of a recreational area in its wind farm "Soros", in Evros. Driven by innovation and creativity, we create shared value, in every area where we operate, with this initiative being part of SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
