The winning idea for sensory blankets came via Facebook
People began posting suggestions such
as door-stoppers and stress balls. These were good ideas, but not really compelling enough. Then came the winning idea: a special needs teacher suggested the balls could be used to create a ‘ball blanket’, a sensory stimulation aid perfect for calming children suffering from autism and other developmental disabilities. This clever idea received 10 times the number of votes of the second placed idea. These ‘sensory’ blankets have proven
therapeutic effects for children with autism, helping to relax and soothe them and reducing the time it takes them to enter a deep sleep. As Rounaja explains: “They don’t know the borders of their own bodies – it’s one of the reasons they find the world overwhelming. The blankets adapt to the child’s body and calm them, as though they are being hugged.” Normally these blankets are filled
with plastic or even glass balls to provide the weight. They are complicated to make, and medically certified blankets can cost up to £570.
Enter the furniture maker Rounaja next approached a local furniture maker to explore the possibility of producing the blankets, using a near endless supply of donated squash balls. The company was enthusiastic and agreed to get involved.
June 2014 © Cybertrek 2014 It now produces blankets for Hukka
members, parents and local schools. The furniture maker does charge for the blankets to cover costs, but just £118 (US$200) rather than the £570 (US$960) charged by specialist suppliers.
The power of altruistic creativity This is such a beautifully simple project, using what a club already has in abundance – in this case, squash balls. However, it began with a club that was determined to reframe a problem into an opportunity, fuelled by a desire to help others. This project also shows that
Facebook can be used as an effective idea generation platform, allowing members to genuinely contribute and become more deeply involved with their clubs. The Hukka club now publishes Facebook updates showing children using the blankets and the difference that they are making to them. Let’s also not forget how quickly
altruistic acts can spread. This story has now moved off Facebook and been picked up by organisations across Europe and the United States. It’s proof that thinking about others can pay off on so many levels. As Rounaja says: “I wasn’t expecting something this great. It opened my eyes and makes me feel so warm inside – maybe the same feeling the kids get by using the blanket.”
• It reframes a problem (disposing of the club’s squash balls) into an
What’s good about this idea?
• It encourages the club to look outside its walls and think about creating a
opportunity (how can we convert a waste product to help others?)
• It harnesses its Facebook community in an intelligent and collaborative way.
wider societal impact.
• It connects members, staff, owners and other stakeholders as they unite
around a project that’s focused on helping others.
So what can your business do? Ask yourself: What do we have in abundance that can help others? If you need inspiration, put the challenge to customers and members, who’ll relish the chance to get involved. Once you’ve made a difference in your community, share your story on Gymtopia and be amazed at how simple acts of generosity have the capacity to spread. ●
IN A NUTSHELL Initiative by: Hukka –
www.hukka.net Location: Finland Status: Ongoing Impact: Local Gymtopia keywords: Health & Wellbeing, Helping Children Charity supported: Various
Read Health Club Management online at
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