A costume, a story, and a willingness to support: this is how our first volunteer event went at Michín Foundation in Colombia

A costume, a story, and a willingness to support: this is how our first volunteer event went at Michín Foundation in Colombia

On Saturday October 18th of 2025, a group of volunteers from Grupo Plastilene came together for a very special event: our first volunteer event with Michín Foundation. Employees from Plastilene, Novalene, Altalene, Reciclene, and the Corporate team came together, during a creative day, working together, and with the shared goal of enjoying quality time with the children at the Foundation.

This event had a very special meaning: even though we have been close to Michín for years through donations and support, this time we took a step forward meeting in person, building together, and turning this relationship into a memorable, happy, and human experience.

Michín Foundation: who are they and what do they do?

Michín Foundation is a social impact organization that works to achieve the wellbeing and integral development of children, creating safe supportive spaces so they can learn and grow. Their goal is to provide real opportunities so they can strengthen their abilities, discover their potential, and have positive experiences in their life.

Through these learning, community building (with partners), and recreational activities. Michín promotes environments where children can be creative, express themselves, learn, and feel like there are people around them. Because of this for us at the Group, we support these initiatives by viewing volunteer work as not only something where we can do materially, but volunteer our time, presence, and heart.

The Place: a starting point for history

We met at 9:00AM at the house of Michín Foundation in Soacha, a home that Grupo Plastilene donated years ago and today still brings opportunities, support, and community. The children started arriving with their parents and they were ready to participate in the activities.

From the first moment we felt a tight-knit environment: volunteering, children, and Foundation employees shared the same space with an energy that grew minute by minute.

Begin with laughter: Teams by colors and an icebreaker

The day was organized with everyone splitting up in teams by colors: blue, red, orange, and brown. Each team went to a different room and began with different icebreaker activities that would strengthen their bond. Their challenge was to “untangle their hands”, finding the best way to let go of each other without losing coordination. It was the type of dynamic that reduces shyness and creates new connections.

The challenge: animal designs with recycled materials (and their story)

The main focus of the activity was to create a costume with recycled materials. The theme given was animals, and the costume had to be worn by one of our volunteers. The challenge was to not only create the costume, but each team had to come up with a story to accompany the character and have the designs walk down a parade.

We spend around an hour and a half designing, building, applying last minute changes, and rehearsing the presentation.

A jury with a clear criteria and difficult decisions to make

The decision was made by a jury made up by Yolanda Rodríguez (Fundación Michín), Liliana Salinas (HR) and Luisa Ribero (Sostenibilidad). They scored different aspects of the challenge, taking into account the creative use of recycled materials as part of the story and the show.

The way it tends to go when there is this much talent and hope, choosing a winner was not easy.

The winning team: “Brown” Team and its bunny

Finally, the first place went to the brown team with a costume of a bunny that stole everyone’s hearts. The children that made up this team got a small token to recognize their work and we all celebrated the end of the event satisfied with what we had achieved that day together.

Beyond that result, the most valuable aspect was seeing children proposing ideas and solutions, laughing freely, and showcasing how creativity comes to light when there is trust and support.

A gesture that supported the day: thanks to La Chata Love

While the jury deliberated, the children ate their lunches. An important aspect was the support from our partners: @lachatalove who donated 100 sandwiches to the event. They also gave fruit and drink donations making this event even better.

“Our hearts and filled with love”: the voice of Michín

The day ended with a message that summarizes what happened. Camila Ceballos, Michín Foundation director, shared a great appreciation that invigorates us to keep going.

“I want to thank everyone from Grupo Plastilene and all other volunteers wholeheartedly. We are happy… This had been a dream that we had had for a while: everyone coming together to this space that Plastilene donated to us, and all of us sharing with the children. Our hearts are filled with love from all the wonderful activities today with our volunteers and children and we hope that this is one of many to come.

A seed was planted: what is next?

This first volunteering event was the beginning of what we have yet to cultivate. We highlighted our intention of continuing the creation of volunteering events where we can also involve different areas, partners, and eventually, our employees’ families like we do in other programs within the Group.