KIOS celebrated its 10-year anniversary

Kalle Könkkölä, Abilis Foundation. Photo: KIOS

KIOS celebrated its 10-year anniversary on 12th December in Helsinki. Anniversary was celebrated by all three foundations funding civil societies’ projects in developing countries. In addition to KIOS, Siemenpuu Foundation, which funds environmental projects, and Abilis Foundation, which funds disability projects, celebrated their anniversary. 70 people participated in the event.

“Nothing is as fun as giving money to others”

The anniversary speech was held by Kalle Könkkölä, who has been active since the very beginning and is one of the founding members of Abilis Foundation. He reminisced about the birth and the following steps of the three organizations. The foundations were founded in order to channel money fast and without an intermediary to organizations functioning in developing countries.

“Nothing is as fun as giving money to others”, stated Könkkölä. He considered granting funds to disability projects in developing countries is the most fun thing he has done in his life.

In addition, Pekka Haavisto gave a speech at the event. Haavisto acted as Development Minister at the time of founding the foundations. In his speech he reminisced about the authorities of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, who also affected the founding of these three foundations.

KIOS thanks everyone who participated and wishes a Happy New Year!