At Americold, the Associates across all locations of the organisation have the opportunity to take the time out to volunteer with Americold’s Giving Back Program.
Americold believes that volunteering activities can have a profound and lasting impact on local communities, creating ripple effects that go far beyond the immediate help provided.
By Americold Associates participating in the company’s Giving Back Program, Americold supports Associates in helping their community which in turn Strengthens Social Bonds, Provides Essential Support to the community, Raises Awareness about critical issues that exist, Boosts Mental Well-being in society and indirectly encourages economic growth by equipping individuals with necessary life skills, support and stability.
On a fine day in mid-March, Americold APAC’s Business Development, Marketing, Supply Chain Solutions and Commercial Finance team at ASC Prospect, Australia site set out on a trip to Surry Hills in Sydney for an evening of Giving Back at The Salvation Army Foster House. The Foster House is a place of respite for men faced with homelessness, with 50 single bedrooms, offering a place to sleep, to have a hot shower and a meal for those in dire need.
While the team commenced preparing a BBQ Dinner for 80+ homeless inmates and visitors, some of the team were all-hands-on-deck with meal preparation in the commercial kitchen of the Foster House guided by the chefs in their kitchen, chopping salads, firing up the barbeque, and setting out the food. At the same time, other team members lent a hand to The Salvation Army staff by car-washing the center’s vehicles used to transport inmates and also for the ‘all-important’ meal distribution outreach work.
The team shared moments of contemplating silence when the Manager of the House shared some startling statistics on growing homelessness in the Australian community caused by growing financial pressures on individuals and families.
Did you know that homelessness statistics reported is less than half the actual number of people facing homelessness in Australia?
Also, did you know that nearly a quarter of homeless people are in the age group of 12 to 24 years?
Read more of these statistics here.
Humbled by the opportunity to prepare a meal for The Foster House inmates, the team got back to their stations, sizzled sausages, steak and patties for the BBQ Dinner, and served the dinner guests with smiles.
Thank you to #AmericoldAPAC for the opportunity to contribute to towards a worthy cause in the community. Initiatives like Americold APAC’s support for The Salvation Army Foster House contribute many benefits to the community, ensuring tangible change in people’s lives.
Find out more on how you can help The Salvation Army continue their work through your donation.