224 Sodexo volunteers join hand to improve the Quality of Life of elderly in Bendemeer

Sodexo partners Community Chest and Lions Befrienders to engage with 300 seniors through Servathon 2016.

Sodexo, the world leader in Quality of Life services, held its annual volunteering initiative, Servathon, on Saturday, 14 May 2016. With Singapore facing a rapidly ageing population, there has been greater demand for social services for the elderly. This year, Sodexo teamed up with Community Chest and Lions Befrienders to reach out to the needy seniors in Singapore.

During Servathon, Sodexo and its partners come together to volunteer, raise money, and donate food in their local communities. Servathon is a flagship event of Stop Hunger, a programme founded by Sodexo employees in 1996. This year, Sodexo celebrates the 20th anniversary of Stop Hunger, a mark of Sodexo’s commitment to the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

"Sodexo is honoured to support Community Chest and Lions Befrienders in enabling our seniors to lead meaningful and enriching lives. I am heartened to see our volunteers bringing joy to the elders and improving the quality of life of our community through the Servathon," said Mr Aurelien Sonet, Country President of Sodexo Singapore.

Altogether, 224 Sodexo volunteers participated in Servathon 2016. Volunteers conducted general cleaning and minor repair services for seniors living in 1-room rental flats in Bendemeer. Sodexo also worked closely with its suppliers to provide food items for 300 beneficiaries. These rations were hand-delivered to the flats by Sodexo’s volunteers, allowing for interaction between the volunteers and the elders, where life stories were exchanged and laughter was shared.

At the Lions Befrienders (Bendemeer) Senior Activity Centre, Sodexo volunteers entertained the elderly through a morning of games and dance. Beyond food aid, education is vital in alleviating malnutrition. Sodexo’s in-house nutritionist imparted the seniors with tips on healthy eating on a shoestring budget.

Partnership with Community Chest to address social needs

This is the fourth year of partnership between Sodexo Singapore and Community Chest. Community Chest matches Sodexo to suitable Voluntary Welfare Organisations, allowing Sodexo and its employees to develop meaningful engagements with the local community.

"It’s our great pleasure to partner Sodexo and help provide not just food, but bring cheer to the disadvantaged. Sometimes, all it takes is just a simple act of giving to brighten up someone’s day, and we are thankful that Sodexo did just that. At Community Chest, we encourage the giving of both time and donations so we are heartened to know that Sodexo has not only volunteered for Lions Befrienders, but they have also raised more funds for this programme" said Ms Ng Ling Ling, Managing Director of Community Chest.

In total, Sodexo and its partners raised $21,156, which will be donated to Community Chest in support of Lions Befrienders’ programmes to feed the underprivileged.

Executive Director of Lions Befrienders, Dr Chey Chor Khoon, said "Lions Befrienders needs the support of volunteers to carry out its mission of connecting seniors so as to relieve their loneliness. We are therefore extremely grateful that Sodexo Singapore has successfully organised so many of its staff to come to our Bendemeer Senior Activity Centre on a Saturday. The event gave our seniors an opportunity to enjoy many exciting activities. Sodexo Singapore’s spirit of giving and service to the community is a worthy example for other organisations to emulate."