MMK Group increases spending on charity and social programmes to almost RUB 3 billion

At the same time, MMK’s total contribution to the Group’s social and charitable spending reached almost 73%, amounting to about RUB 2.18 billion, up 21.8% compared to 2019.

Pavel Shilyaev, MMK CEO, commented: "Our strategic priority is to follow the principles of sustainable development. This approach establishes a responsible attitude to the environment, social issues, staff development, the creation of a culture of opportunities and ensuring a safe working environment. We view social responsibility projects as long-term investments in the Company's sustainable development. Therefore, we attach key importance to creating a healthy social environment both at the Company itself and in the city of Magnitogorsk. In order to do this, MMK implements social and infrastructure projects and programmes for its employees, as well as residents of the city, aimed at resolving all current issues.”

The largest area of social investment in 2020 was charity, in particular, combatting coronavirus. As soon as the epidemiological threat emerged, on the initiative of Chairman of the Board of Directors Victor Rashnikov, MMK allocated more than RUB 530 million for the implementation of emergency measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and antiviral protection for employees of MMK Group, as well as for the support of municipal organisations in Magnitogorsk and the most vulnerable groups of citizens.

First of all, MMK initiated and organised a large-scale charity programme, "We Stand Together", aimed at solitary pensioners and other particularly in-need and low-income residents of the city. For them, monthly food packages and sets of personal protective equipment were formed and delivered (from April to September 2020). For these purposes, RUB 167 million was collected from MMK and citizens who made donations into a special charity account. In addition, MMK allocated more than RUB 360 million in additional funds to finance antiviral initiatives and socially oriented activities in the city. Among the implemented social support measures was the purchase of equipment for healthcare institutions, payments to medical personnel working in the high-risk zone, and the purchase of computer equipment for young teachers and schoolchildren from low-income families. Special disinfecting irradiation and recirculation devices were purchased and installed in Magnitogorsk nurseries. Contactless thermometers were delivered to orphanages and childcare centres in the city.

MMK Group spent over RUB 1.15 billion on charitable initiatives in 2020, with MMK’s contribution amounting to over RUB 1 billion.

In addition, in 2020, MMK Group allocated funds for employee health care and disease treatment and prevention programmes (RUB 526.7 million), vouchers for employees for health resort treatment (about RUB 300 million), recreation activities for children (RUB 52 million), promotion of a healthy lifestyle, sport and physical education and the maintenance of sports facilities (RUB 132.7 million), boosting maternity support and support for large families (RUB 108.5 million), organisation of cultural work and the maintenance of cultural centres (RUB 100 million), hot food provisions for employees (RUB 66 million), housing, youth programmes, educational programmes and other voluntary social programmes (about RUB 160 million). In 2020, the Company allocated about RUB 377 million (in 2019 – RUB 322 million) for targeted social support for pensioners and disabled people under the Care programme implemented by the Metallurg Foundation.

In total, MMK Group's investments in charity and social programmes in 2020 amounted to RUB 2,972.7 million.