Students spreading the Wappu spirit – launching a fundraising campaign for a mental health organisation
Launching a fundraising campaign before Wappu has become a tradition among Aalto University students. This year, AYY’s Fuksi Committee and International Committee are collecting funds for Nyyti ry, a national organisation supporting students’ mental health and well-being.
‘We consider supporting students’ mental health a significant and relevant issue that we want people to pay attention to. The culture of technical students has long-standing traditions of charity, such as Tempaus campaigns, and we want to continue these traditions, particularly during the Wappu celebrations’, comments Maria Lappalainen, Fuksi Major of Aalto University Student Union.
According to the Finnish Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (THL 2024), 29 per cent of students experience significant psychological strain. Depression and anxiety disorders have become more common among students, with social anxiety in particular increasing, experienced by one-third of students. According to the Finnish Student Health Service, demand for mental health services has tripled since the COVID pandemic.
‘Students’ overall strain is currently very high, and there is an enormous need for strengthening mental health and providing mental health support’, says Nyyti’s Executive Director Minna Savolainen.
The charity fundraising was launched on 15 April, when students raised a sheet installation made by new students onto the wall of the Helsinki Energy Office Building in Kamppi. The letters on the sheet spelled out the greeting ‘Bright wappu to all’.
You can help us support students’ mental health by making a one-time donation to Nyyti at https://www.nyyti.fi/lahjoita/kertalahjoitus/ or via MobilePay to Nyyti’s collection box 76167 with the message ‘wapunvienti’. Fundraising permit number is RA/2020/1102.
Further information:
Maria Lappalainen
Fuksi Major, Aalto University Student Union
Tel. 0408524850
Aalto University Student Union AYY is a service and advocacy organisation for approximately 17,000 Aalto University students of technology, business and arts. AYY represents the interests of its members in education policy and student welfare matters, in particular. Fuksi Committee and International Committee are responsible for introducing new students to academic and student culture.
Nyyti ry is a national non-profit organisation promoting students’ mental health, founded in 1984.
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