The ± Group’s subsidiaries jointly with the Regional Social Programs Fund “Our Future” have been implementing crucial social initiatives. The Fund was created in 2007 by Mr. Vagit Alekperov to implement long-term welfare programs and projects wherein the social entrepreneurship principles may apply.
In 2014 an initiative at the same time addressing a whole array of the Company’s sustainable development activities was launched. It is absolutely unique for Russia.
As part of the joint pilot project of ± and the Regional Social Programs Fund “Our Future”, the first outlet for products manufactured by social entrepreneurs was opened. The products manufactured by social entrepreneurs will be sold at the ± gas stations in a number Russian regions. The project provides that the convenience stores will be selling eco-friendly dairy products, felts and other products manufactured by social entrepreneurs. The counters with the products of social entrepreneurs are labeled with the “More than a Purchase!” logo.
By buying these products the customers of ±’s gas stations help promote small businesses and social entrepreneurship as a whole, address social issues, and help socially disadvantaged groups to earn income from their own labor.
One of 2015 highlights was the launch of the “More than a Purchase” project by Regional Social Programs Fund “Our Future” at gas stations in Nizhny Novgorod region. Convenience stores now offer goods made by the disabled, large family mothers, craftsmen from the local arts and crafts guilds.
- “More than a Purchase” video
