The Solstickan foundation was established in 1936. The initiator was Mathias Hallgren. The artist Einar Nerman was commissioned to design the cover of the now famous Solstickan boy. It is said that he received SEK 200 for the illustration, which later became probably the world’s most reproduced artwork.
The idea behind the Solstickan was that SEK 0.05 (one half öre) per box would be used “to benefit the elderly and children.” Since matches were sold by the million, the millions of half ores became a great deal of money. The success of the Solstickan was mostly due to the strong support from retail sales and the media.
For every Solstickan product sold today, a minimum of 8 öre per box goes to the Solstickan fund. In total, this amounts to approximately SEK 2 million annually, which is used each year for research and charity purposes. During the seventy years that the fund has been in existence, the Solstickan foundation has donated more than SEK 100 million. From swimming camps for hearing impaired children, buses adapted to disabled persons and development of youth activities. The foundation also awards an annual Solstickan Award of SEK 100,000.
Honorary Chairman of the foundation is Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson.
More information is found at www.solstickan.se
Till frågor och svar