In a unique blend of environmental awareness and social responsibility, Hungary’s MOHU MOL Waste Management Corporation has donated 230 million forints to three of the country’s leading paediatric institutions. The funds—collected through consumer donations via the ‘charity’ button at REpont bottle return machines—were officially presented in Budapest on Thursday.
Each institution received approximately 77 million forints: the Heim Pál National Paediatric Institute, the Semmelweis University Paediatric Clinic, and the Bethesda Children’s Hospital. The donations were handed over by MOHU’s Chief Operating Officer Tivadar Runtág, who emphasized the company’s commitment to strengthening Hungary’s paediatric healthcare and expressed gratitude to every citizen who chose to contribute through the recycling network.
Since the system’s launch, over 2.5 billion bottles and cans have been returned, preventing massive amounts of waste from ending up in landfills or polluting the countryside. Instead, the materials are now being reintegrated into the production cycle while the redemption value supports vital causes.
Runtág also announced that from July, the charity proceeds will support underprivileged families via Hungary’s largest aid organizations, including the Red Cross, the Ecumenical Aid Service, and the Maltese Charity Service.
Director general of the Heim Pál Institute Anikó Nagy explained that the funds will help remodel the paediatric trauma department, which treats around 46,000 children annually, with 3,500 requiring surgery. The renovation will focus on reducing shock and pain from accident-related injuries.
Attila Szabó of the Semmelweis Paediatric Clinic said the three hospitals together provide one-third of Hungary’s inpatient paediatric care. The donation will fund the purchase of an advanced X-ray machine that offers better imaging with lower radiation exposure.
Director of Bethesda Hospital György János Velkey highlighted the programme’s dual impact—cleaner communities and better health services. Their share of the funds will go toward expanding the hospital’s burn unit and creating a sports medicine centre.
The MOHU initiative exemplifies how everyday actions like recycling can directly contribute to healthcare improvements, combining environmental sustainability with real societal benefits.
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