Make Happy Be Happy Day 2024: Spreading happiness and making a difference together

Each year, on the third Thursday of November, pladis comes together to celebrate Make Happy Be Happy Day. This special day – rooted in our founder Sabri Ülker's powerful belief that every child deserves happiness – highlights the happiness, kindness and community spirit of our team members across the globe.

Today we come together to celebrate the impactful work of our colleagues, who bring our founder’s belief to life – from fundraising and food bank donations to volunteering and charity partnerships. This is a day for all of us to reflect on the happiness we've brought to the communities we operate in, and to share inspiring stories of joy, resilience and upliftment.

Global highlights from 2024

This year, we proudly sponsored the global premiere of Kids Like Us, a film that follows the journeys of eight brave children living with cancer in the UK and the US. We had the honour of welcoming these inspiring young individuals to our Harlesden bakery in the UK, where they became honorary “happiness inspectors” for the day. Their visit – and the courage and honesty they shared – is a reminder of why we are committed to bringing happiness to children facing life’s toughest challenges.

We are equally proud of our ongoing partnership with the Anne Frank Trust. Earlier this year, we hosted the Trust's ambassadors, who shared personal stories that inspire empathy and challenge prejudice. This collaboration reflects our dedication to inclusion, diversity and equity and reinforces our shared goal: a brighter, more inclusive world for future generations.

Regional teams making a difference

From the Americas to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, colleagues have been making a meaningful difference in their local communities. In the U.S. and Canada, teams have served Thanksgiving meals, partnered with schools, and filled book bags for kids in need. In Europe, our teams have supported children with disabilities in France, and volunteered at food banks and care homes in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, in the UK and Ireland, local initiatives have ranged from food donations to hosting community events.

The spirit of giving has shone through with projects like transforming care home gardens in Sydney, supporting local charities in Shanghai, and hosting baking classes for street children in India. Saudi Arabia’s team supported children battling cancer, while in Türkiye, efforts have included sustainability programs and aid for those impacted by the February 2023 earthquakes. Across Central Asia and Romania, our teams have volunteered and made significant contributions to local causes. 

It’s been a year full of heart-warming efforts, and we’re proud of how our colleagues have spread happiness and support around the world.