A different company outing De Monchy International was a big success

On the 4^th of July, in the context of an “alternative type of business trip", volunteers from De Monchy International spent a very rewarding day escorting 15 elderly residents of the Capelle aan den IJssel Zonnebloem Foundation (Schollevaar / Schenkel department) around Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam.

The date for this special “business trip” had been set months in advance and luckily the weather was glorious and it promised to be a wonderful experience. The De Monchy International volunteers set off mid-morning to join the residents for some coffee and cake in order to get to know them better. Then it was time for the wheelchairs to be loaded into the bus and to set off to discover the exciting wildlife at Blijdorp.

The residents – most of whom hadn’t been to a zoo in many, many years – enjoyed themselves immensely – as did the volunteers! After a couple of hours, the various groups of volunteers and residents came together to enjoy some well-deserved ice cream and a cool drink (as the volunteers discovered, it’s hard work to push a wheelchair!). With perfect temperatures and the summer sunshine, everyone enjoyed themselves to the full!

After this very welcome refreshment, the tour continued until late in the afternoon after which time everyone, tired but happy, enjoyed the French fries and cool drinks offered by De Monchy International.

The pleasure and gratitude was felt by all, not just the residents, but also the De Monchy International volunteers. This was definitely not the standard type of “business trip” for the de Monchy International volunteers, but it was certainly a very fulfilling one for them and one that helped them to clearly connect with society and do something meaningful for those who are not as privileged.

After this very successful first experience, De Monchy International is looking into further opportunities to serve society in a meaningful way.

We create the future together.