FrieslandCampina dairy farmers' Christmas treat for care homes nationwide
In the run-up to Christmas, FrieslandCampina member dairy farmers will visit around 300 care homes throughout the Netherlands. Together, they will treat more than 35,000 residents and their carers to hot Chocomel with whipped cream. This is the fifth year in a row that an enthusiastic group of dairy farmers has organised the Chocomel initiative.
"It is timely to give the residents of care homes and their carers extra attention; after all, the cold winter months are already so long," said dairy farmer Marjon Verkleij. She had already handed out Chocomel in a care home in Roelofarendsveen last week. Today, member dairy farmers throughout the Netherlands, from northern Friesland to southern Limburg, are heading out to do the same.
Winter indulgence
"I am participating for the first time this year," Marjon explains. "My mother has been living in a care home for a year now so it is extra special to be able to do this for her and her fellow residents. I see how people are enjoying themselves and will definitely participate again next year!". The care home also responds enthusiastically. "It really is a moment of happiness. The residents greatly appreciate the gesture and they really like Chocomel with whipped cream. It is something different from the coffee and tea that they drink every day," says Inge, one of the supervisors.
On the road together for a smile
Five years ago, dairy farmer Edwin Sengers organised a Christmas dinner for lonely elderly people on his farm in Wijchen. He noticed that the group of less mobile elderly people was missing from the table. To treat this group, farmers from the region visited care homes in the period before Christmas. Since then, the initiative grew into a national campaign. Hundreds of FrieslandCampina member dairy farmers visit care homes every year. Organiser Edwin Sengers: "It's wonderful to be able to do this every year. The happy looks of the elderly, the appreciation of the staff but above all the nice feeling you get from it together, make a day like this complete."