FrieslandCampina dairy farmers treat elderly in the Netherlands and Belgium to hot Chocomel
For the eighth year in a row, FrieslandCampina dairy farmers will be handing out hot Chocomel topped with Campina whipped cream at care homes across the Netherlands and Belgium on Friday, 19 December. This year, the farmers will visit 300 care homes, allowing 40,000 elderly people to enjoy this festive treat in the run-up to Christmas.
“This initiative gives people a warm feeling and shines a positive light on our sector, so I am happy to take part.” says dairy farmer Dick van Zetten. A few days ago, Dick already handed out Chocomel at a care home in Ochten, the Netherlands. “It was extra special to hand out Chocomel at the care home where my wife works one day a week as a hairdresser.”
Ria van Ledden, a care professional at the care home Dick visited, adds: “It really is a heart-warming initiative. The residents love the Chocomel and appreciate that it’s something different from the everyday. They are also pleased with the warm hats and fleece blankets. The event brings residents together and connects them with the wider community. FrieslandCampina’s organisation of this is a lovely gesture during the season that is all about togetherness.”
Together for society
Nils den Besten, Vice-Chair of the Cooperative Board of FrieslandCampina, also joined in Ochten. “It is wonderful to see so many farmers making time for this and committing themselves to others. This year, 1,300 dairy farmers and other volunteers are working together to make the initiative a success. That truly illustrates what our cooperative stands for: making a difference together for society.”
Annual tradition
What began as a Christmas dinner for lonely elderly people at the farm of dairy farmer Edwin Sengers in Wijchen, the Netherlands, has now grown into an annual tradition. During that dinner, Edwin noticed that an important group was missing at the table: elderly people who were no longer mobile enough to visit the farm. To reach them as well, a new initiative was born. In the run-up to Christmas, farmers visit care homes in their region to spread holiday cheer with hot Chocomel topped with whipped cream. Every year, many enthusiastic dairy farmers are eager to take part in this heart-warming tradition.