Earth that heals, mindfulness that leads: CSR Highlights Q2

This is the second article in our ongoing series dedicated to our CSR journey. Every quarter, we take a moment to reflect on how we give back, support others, and build meaningful connections, all under the umbrella of #yonderdoinggood.

In the second quarter of 2025, we shifted to Earth Mindfulness, a call to slow down and act with greater awareness and intention. We looked more closely at our impact on nature, our communities, and the choices we make each day. Here are some highlights from this mindful, purpose-driven quarter:

Tree planting in Rimetea

70 trees. 30+ volunteers. 1 shared mission: restore a lost landscape.
In the first weekend of April, the Yonderists swapped keyboards for shovels and headed to the meadows of Rimetea to help bring back a landscape that once shaped the region’s identity. Together with colleagues, partners, kids (including a 10-month-old cheerleader!), and under the guidance of the amazing team from Asociația Potecatorii – Ecouri Verzi, we planted oak, hornbeam, linden, and ash, native species that offer shade for herds, stabilize the soil, support biodiversity, and reconnect the land to its roots. We wrapped up the day with homemade goulash and sponge cake, and the quiet joy of doing something meaningful together.

Donating an ultrasound machine to the NICU in Cluj-Napoca

In late April, we joined the official handover of an ultrasound machine donated to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Emergency Hospital in Cluj-Napoca. This marked the final step of a journey that began last fall when our colleagues proposed causes focused on providing essential medical equipment for newborns, children, and mothers. The winning cause, “Ultrasound for Preemies”, was selected by our partner Help Others Help for its clear and lasting impact. The funds were raised through our Cooking for Charity event and completed by Yonder to cover the full cost of the equipment. Today, the machine is in place, helping doctors perform critical examinations directly in the ward, without the need for risky transfers. The handover was deeply moving, a reminder of the quiet strength and dedication of the medical team. A heartfelt thank you to Help Others Help and to all Yonderists who helped make this possible.

Cooking for charity – Spring feast (with a twist)

In May, we came together for one of our most beloved internal traditions: Cooking for Charity. What started as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful ritual, a space where we cook with love, share meals, and raise money for causes close to our hearts. This spring’s edition embraced the spirit of Earth Mindfulness through light, seasonal dishes, sustainable ingredients, and a thoughtful approach to cooking and giving. Together we raised 2275 euros, and the amount was tripled by the company, reaching a total of 6800 euros. Based on our vote, the funds were distributed as follows: 65% to Asociația Blondie, supporting children who need urgent medical treatment abroad, and 35% to support Sara, a young girl diagnosed with a rare disorder. Doing good never tasted better.

Hoia forest trail – Panel restoration and family hike

To celebrate International Children’s Day, we invited Yonder parents and their little adventurers for a nature walk through the Hoia Forest, a Natura 2000 protected site near Cluj-Napoca. With help from Potecatorii and Ecouri Verzi, we explored the newly refreshed-themed trail, “Pufoșeniile de la Hoia”, where Yonder supported the full restoration of the educational panels. The experience brought together movement, curiosity, and environmental education, aligned perfectly with our quarterly focus on Earth Mindfulness. Special thanks to the colleagues who carried and installed the panels on-site!

Rotary chess tournament – supporting young minds with limited financial means

The future of our community is built on education, curiosity, and a love of learning. That’s why we’re proud to once again support the Rotary Chess Tournament in Iași, a charitable event now in its 5th edition. This year, it brought together 200 children, including 100 participants from rural areas with limited financial means, who joined for free thanks to sponsorships that covered their participation fees. By supporting events like this, we encourage continuous learning, mentorship, and healthy competition – the building blocks of real, lasting solutions. Well done to all the young minds who joined!

Ongoing educational support

We also continued to invest in education with funding allocated to:

Fundația COTE (Iași) and Asociația Profesor Gheorghe Balaci (Cluj) in their efforts to reduce school dropout for children at risk
The Phoenix Robotics Team from Avram Iancu High School, Cluj, supporting innovation and performance among high school students
A series of digital safety workshops at Casa Filip, a shelter offering support to cancer patients and their families

Each of these efforts reflects our belief that education, in all its forms, is a long-term investment in people, community, and possibility.

Mindfulness starts from within 🌱

While many of our efforts this quarter focused on community and environmental impact, Earth Mindfulness also invited us to look inward. As part of this reflection, we hosted a special YonderWell session – “Responsible and sustainable habits”, led by activist Cami Gui, where we explored how personal choices around consumption, lifestyle, and intention can contribute to a more balanced inner and outer world. It was a quiet but meaningful part of our journey and a reminder that sustainability isn’t only about what we do out there, but also about how we show up every day.

Looking forward

Earth Mindfulness was more than a theme. It was a practice of slowing down, acting with care, and leaving things a little better than we found them. As we step into the next quarter, we shift our focus to a new theme: Friendship & Giving Back. We’ll explore how we can offer our time, energy, and presence, strengthening bonds across teams, communities, and causes.