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The Christmas season is a time when, more than at any other moment of the year, we look around us and become more aware of the needs of people in our surroundings. At Železiarne Podbrezová, and through our sporting and social activities, this period is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that alongside everyday work and performance, there is an important place for helping those who need it.

Whether it is support for children, families, or individuals facing difficult life situations, we see helping others as a natural part of a responsible approach to the environment in which we operate.

Football in the Service of Helping

The football club FK Železiarne Podbrezová has traditionally combined sport with charity. At the beginning of November, the first team players took to the pitch for a league match against Slovan wearing commemorative retro jerseys. After the match, the jerseys were auctioned, with the proceeds donated to the Svetielko nádeje organization, which helps children suffering from cancer.

“At our club, we follow the philosophy that help should be provided where people cannot manage on their own. Supporting Svetielko nádeje is a mission for us and at the same time proof that football has the power to do good,” says Monika Luptáková from the marketing department of FK Železiarne Podbrezová. Thanks to the auction, €1,500 was donated to young patients, helping with their treatment and support during difficult times.

Many fans took part in the auction, and interest in the jerseys was high. The highest bid—€500—was reached for the jersey of Filip Mielke, followed by those of Radek Šiler and Roland Galčík. “It was wonderful to see how sporting enthusiasm came together with a good cause, and how fans showed that the fate of others is not indifferent to them,” she adds.

However, the help did not end with a financial donation. During the pre-Christmas period, some first-team players also visited the children’s oncology ward in Banská Bystrica. They brought gifts they had prepared themselves, spent time with the young patients, and helped create a warm festive atmosphere. “These moments are of immense value as well. And we certainly want to continue with similar activities,” the club states.

Help That Makes Sense – Also Thanks to the Two Percent

We strive to help not only through sport, but also through the Železiarne Podbrezová Foundation and the Miško Sotáka Foundation, both administered by our joint-stock company. Thanks in part to the donated two percent of income tax, the foundations were able in 2025 to distribute approximately €160,000 among applicants and support nearly 90 individuals and entities.

Behind these numbers are real human stories. Kristína, a talented high school student who, after a serious injury, managed to return to her passion for painting. Matúško, a boy with autism who finds calm in music and, thanks to the support, was able to have his piano tuned. Natálka, a girl with a rare genetic disorder, whose family received a contribution toward a car—essential for frequent trips to doctors and to school.

Support was also provided to employees of our company and their families, to athletes, cultural projects, schools, the hospital in Brezno, as well as to local sports and folklore. Each individual story confirms that the donated two percent truly make a difference.

Thank You for Helping Together with Us

In the pre-Christmas season, we would like to thank all fans, employees, partners, and donors who have decided to help together with us—whether through auctions, personal donations, or by allocating two percent of their taxes.

At Železiarne Podbrezová, we believe that solidarity, humanity, and the willingness to help are values that have their place not only during Christmas, but throughout the entire year. Thank you for helping us turn these values into tangible support for those who need it most.

Article written by: Podbrezovan