Złombol 2025: On the road for a better future
Started in Poland, Złombol brings together hundreds of drivers every year, all traveling in cars from the communist era – old vehicles that would normally be considered scrap. The idea: collect donations for orphaned children by turning each car into a rolling billboard. The rules are clear – the vehicles must be from the communist era, the participants cover all costs themselves, and no technical assistance is provided by the organizers.
This year, a record-breaking 833 teams took part, raising over 3.4 million Polish złoty (appr. €775,000 Euro or $845,000 US Dollar) for children living in orphanages across the country. The funds are used to provide access to psychotherapy, mental health support for caregivers, educational programs, summer camps, and support for individual dreams – whether that’s a bike, a language course, or even a driver’s license.
For Kamil, who has been part of the rally almost every year since 2017, the cause is deeply personal. Growing up in 1980s Poland, he remembers the cars from that era well – including his family’s old Polski Fiat 126p. His passion for restoring classic vehicles eventually led him to Złombol, and with Hellmann Polska as a proud donor, he has since covered thousands of kilometers in the name of charity.
At work, Kamil plans direct load transports all over Europe. During Złombol, he gets to live the routes he usually only maps.
“Normally, I plan the routes for my customers – now, I finally get to see the roads for myself. You could say: I have seen Europe from all angles,” he says.
The 2025 edition was no exception. Once again, Kamil and his team made it to the finish line – tired, proud, and more motivated than ever to keep going. While the destination for Złombol 2026 is still unknown, the mission remains the same: turning fuel, friendship and a lot of engine noise into real support for children who need it most. And Hellmann will continue to be part of the journey.