Aarikka’s products are assembled by hand in Finland in workshops such as the Salvation Army’s residential services unit. Through our operations, we want to support social inclusion and employment. Last year almost 30,000 Aarikka products were manufactured in Salvation Army workshops.
According to Päivi Merkkiniemi, work coordinator at the Salvation Army, Aarikka has given an important self-confidence boost to the employees. The work provides responsibility, since Aarikka requires a precise finish and the employees are given the opportunity to earn some of their income through work.
“We aim to ensure and promote sobriety: the work and activity are both supporting elements in that goal. Aarikka’s involvement has had a positive impact in reducing disruptive factors. I am confident that the cooperation will continue and that Aarikka will offer work again in the future. This has been important work for both us and our customers.”
Päivi Merkkiniemi, work coordinator
Aarikka products are assembled not only in workshops, but also by employees who work from home.
“I do all kinds of work for Aarikka ranging from earrings to necklaces and elves. I enjoy it because I find working with my hands to be therapeutic. I’ve done this work in addition to running my own company for over a decade, and hopefully I can look forward to at least the same amount in the future. I’ve threaded around 2 million beads over the years!”
Employee who works from home
“Craftwork is independent, and provides a great balance of responsibility and freedom. In order to achieve a good result you need to be dextrous, diligent and determined. Workdays vary according to workload. Sometimes the days are longer, but there are also a good amount of days off. New models and their colour schemes are always the most interesting. Wood is a very enjoyable material to handle and admire.”
Employee who works from home
