Social projects in Karagandy and Almaty Region
In 2013 and 2014, Efes Kazakhstan and Akim's Office of Kazybek bi District (Karaganda), for the first time in the history of the city, held a city competition titled 'The Best Landscaped Business Facility'. The purpose of the competition was to promote complex improvement of the city, and encourage entrepreneurs to invest in development of their facilities and areas, draw public attention to the appearance of the city, and support small and medium businesses. The facilities participating in the competition were evaluated according to the following parameters: external facade, architectural solutions, sanitary condition, architectural illumination, advertising appearance, presence of green spaces, hard cover, decoration of flower beds, etc. In 2013, the competition commission received participation applications from 16 entrepreneurs, who presented their facilities: beauty salons, cafes, studios, etc. In total, as a part of the competition, about 2,000 sq.m of the area were landscaped, including 900 sq.m of paved spaces, 600 sq.m of lawns and flower gardens, and 49 trees were planted, and 37 small architectural forms were installed. In 2015, at the recommendation of the Akim's Office, this project was completed.
In 2013, we carried out a joint project with Akim's Office of Kazybek bi District (Karaganda) on landscaping of unofficial trade areas (3 informal market places located at the center of the city), where people, mainly elderly ones, sold self-grown vegetables and fruits. Previously, they had to build impromptu counters using boxes and cartons, while sitting in dust and mud, near a roadway. Now, there are 29 durable counters with canopies and benches for 87 salesmen. The landscaping activities also included paving, installation of decorative fencing and litter bins, etc. The project was intended to improve the external appearance of Karaganda, regulate informal trade, improve the trade culture, and support the vulnerable population by allowing them to earn. 'Kazakhstanskaya Pravda' newspaper published article 'Convenient spaces for trade' (June 22, 2013), where this project was called 'an example of social responsibility'.
In addition, in 2013, we supported 'Atameken Startup' business idea competition in Karaganda, which was arranged and held jointly with 'Atameken' National Economic Chamber of Kazakhstan to support youth entrepreneurship. The teams that took the first three places received large cash prizes to develop their business projects.
In 2015, we launched a project for installation of bus stops in Karasai District of Almaty Region. 4 modern bus stops were built along Burundai - Chemolgan Station highway, and at the central square of Bereke Village.
In 2016, we sponsored landscaping of downtown public garden of Karaganda, which was abandoned for a few years due to an unscrupulous developer, and caused a righteous indignation of local people. Now, townspeople will be able to spend their leisure time on a landscaped area with children's playgrounds in the shadow of trees planted.
In 2013, Efes Kazakhstan received Annual National Public Award for charity 'Altyn Zhurek' for its corporate social responsibility projects, which became another evidence of recognition of the company's authority and merit in CSR.