When kindness turns into action

For Andrea Kalafusova (FPT Slovakia – FSK), volunteering is not just a social responsibility, it’s an essential part of life. Throughout her journey of working and giving back, she firmly believes that every kind act, no matter how small, can become a seed for positive and lasting change in the community.

When asked about the most profound memory from her volunteer journey, Andrea recalls the early days of the Ukraine conflict. She and her colleagues went to the train station to support refugees who had just fled the war. “We were the first people they met upon reaching safety. Many families arrived with small children, their eyes full of uncertainty and fear for what lay ahead. I realized that even a warm smile or an outstretched hand could make them feel cared for and restore a bit of hope,” she shared.

In addition to direct involvement in community support, Andrea actively contributes through charity runs such as Run for Green and Giga Run organized by FSOFT, and Run for Katka and Run for Smile at FSK. For her, these are not just sporting events, they’re meaningful opportunities where every step transforms into tangible contributions: raising funds to plant trees, supporting animal shelters, or providing clothes and school supplies to underprivileged children.

“Every step carries a message of love. Every kilometer we run becomes a real contribution that could change someone’s life,” Andrea expressed.

One of Andrea’s proudest achievements is the Digital Future project, initiated with her colleagues at FPT Slovakia. The program offers digital skills training to underprivileged youth, helping them access better job opportunities and a more stable future.

In its very first year, the program supported 21 high school and university students from Slovakia and Ukraine, aged 16 to 23. Each participant not only gained valuable tech knowledge but also received guidance and mentorship to help them move forward with confidence.

Since 2019, the Pay It Forward initiative has been sowing seeds of kindness, encouraging small but meaningful acts of goodwill and creating a ripple effect of compassion. As part of the program, Andrea and her team collaborated with the Early Intervention Center Košice to design sensorimotor tools for children with disabilities. These thoughtful gifts gave mothers a few extra hours of rest and a simple gesture with a deeply meaningful impact.

For Andrea, CSR is not just an “after-work task” but a “source of emotional energy.” Being part of a team that shares common values and witnessing the positive changes sparked by small, everyday efforts is what keeps her fulfilled and motivated to keep going.

“When you work with a team that shares the same values, community activities become the glue that bonds people together. They enrich team spirit and nurture a grateful heart in each of us,” Andrea reflected.

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