Our Innovation Portfolio Manager got beaten at bingo by a 79-year-old and said it was one of the best days at work she’s ever had!
Samantha (Sam) Tabbitt has spent a few days over the last three months doing things that don't appear anywhere in her job description. Chairobics. Sing-alongs. Competitive bingo. Friendly banter over quiz answers, and lots of natters over tea and biscuits.
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| Pictures: Attendees at AGE UK's social group | Sam (left) helping with Bingo |
As part of AYMES's Give Back Day initiative, Sam has been volunteering at AGE UK's weekly social group sessions across Hull & East Yorkshire. The sessions bring around 20 older people together every week to do what many of us take for granted: feel a part of something.
Sam's role was to ensure everyone had a good time, and that’s exactly what she did, whilst having a good old jolly herself. Events like these give old folks something to look forward to, as well as helping bring the community together. Even the local police and councillor dropped in to one of the events that Sam attended.
Commenting on the experience, Sam said: “It's been so rewarding. The volunteers who run these sessions week in and week out are amazing! They are full of fun, and so dedicated. I've loved being a small part of it, and seeing the police and local councillor show up too really shows what's possible when a community pulls together."
Age UK HEY Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Allden, commented: "We were only too happy to have Sam along to our social group sessions. Projects like this one couldn’t run without volunteers, so we are very grateful to anyone who lends a hand. Employee volunteering is a great way for businesses to promote social connection, but also for individuals to connect to their community, so everyone benefits, not least the attendees.”
AYMES gives every employee up to three days a year to support causes that matter to them. This accounts for 840 hours each year going back to communities across the country. Sitting nicely with our aim to Improve Lives, this support helps to extend what we do beyond clinical nutrition. With this, along with our pledge to donate 5% of our profits to charity each year, we hope to make a difference. Sam may well have got beaten at Bingo, but it was worth it. Well done Sam!
Attendees enjoying AGE UK's social session.
Sam (right) with fellow volunteers.