The start
The idea of starting a socially engaged project has been bubbling for some time. We think it is important to be socially involved and invest in it.
Late last year, we presented and discussed the idea of a community engagement project within our team. It received a very positive response. When asked which target group was preferred, elderly people were unanimously chosen. The idea is there! Now all that remains is the implementation. We have therefore set up a green team to flesh this out further.
Preparation
In a company open 7 days a week, finding the time and space for this kind of project is a challenge. Especially when employees do not see each other every day and most are still going to school. In June this year, one of our employees knocked on our door and asked if she could do a school assignment with us. You might have guessed it. The assignment is about elderly people. A win/win! This is what we need to give concrete substance to the project.
Subsequently, six of our employees indicated that they would like to participate on 21 July. Of the 4 hours, they will get paid for 2 of them. The remaining 2 hours they invest themselves. We will also pay for the coffee and cake.
The meeting
Friday 21 July is the day. We gather as colleagues at Onder de Linden on the terrace and walk together to Noorderkroon. The weather is perfect. Plenty of sunshine and not too hot. Around 10 o'clock, we arrive at Noorderkroon and meet the 7 residents in their wheelchairs. After a brief introduction, we continue on our way towards Onder de Linden. A walk of about 20 minutes during which it is soon apparent that both the seniors and our staff are enjoying themselves. The faces of the seniors and our staff speak volumes. There is plenty of talking back and forth and getting to know each other better. Arriving at Onder de Linden, the terrace is slightly rebuilt to give everyone a good spot on the sun terrace. The seniors and colleagues are served coffee/tea with pastries. A treat received by warm applause.
We continue our way towards the weekly market in the centre of Roden. The cosiness and smells of the market meet us. The entrance and grounds at the market are not immediately very wheelchair-friendly, but our staff do a great job. Turning and pushing around and over the obstacles. The seniors take it all in and beam from ear to ear. A few still buy something at the market. What nobody knows at that moment is that another small gift has been arranged when they leave the market area. Florist Harrie Heinkens sponsored a loose cheerful Gerbera in foil. This is given to each resident who is along for the ride. Once again, hearty applause follows for this entrepreneur.
We continue via Wilhelminastraat to the renovated Heerestraat, which opens on 2 September. There are now some water fountains in Heerestraat near the Hema. Time for a group photo. Perhaps good to mention: each resident signed in advance that the photos may be used on social media. They will also receive each photo as a reminder of the day.
After the group photo, we walk on to Tony's ice cream parlour: Gelateria Villabate. Here we settle down on the terrace in the shade and the seniors enjoy a scoop of homemade Italian ice cream offered by Tony's ice cream parlour. Before we move on, Tony also gets a warm round of applause. The seniors ENJOY! "These are so many presents. What surprises and what a wonderful day! The route and this day I am going to experience in my mind very often".
It is almost over. At half past one, the residents have to be back for lunch. We still have a little time and walk past the Children's Farm to enjoy the deer, goats and birds together. There we take the last group photo.
Once back at the Noorderkroon, each resident and his or her attendant are still photographed as a reminder of a wonderful and energetic morning for both the residents and our staff. We are asked by one of the carers whether we will repeat this on a weekly basis. Alas! Our aim is at least once a year and on occasion twice a year. The project plan is in place, courtesy of Maya, one of our staff members. Now we will evaluate and make adjustments for the next walk.
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