Mars ITR helps make it a Merry Christmas for 35,000 families in the Netherlands

The past few days have seen 35,000 parcels packed for Voedselbank (the Dutch Food Bank) by staff from Mars, NIBC, Shell, Unilever and Upfield – and for the first time ever, all families who are dependent on the Food Bank will receive a Christmas care package.

 

Hundreds of employees from across all five companies were able to roll up their sleeves in both Rotterdam and Veghel to provide a festive treat for all those in need. A record number of 35,000 parcels were filled with a variety of nutritional goodies and then distributed throughout the Netherlands in the following days.

The Mars ITR team were stationed in Veghel, where its head office is located along with its biggest global chocolate factory and the Dutch domestic market business unit. Gary Clarke, General Manager of Mars Wrigley Confectionery ITR, said: “Last year we made the decision to dedicate our time to provide direct food aid during the holidays to all those who are dependent on the food bank in the Southern Netherlands – this year we went a step further and worked hard to help people throughout the entire country. Everyone deserves to enjoy good food and drink during the Christmas period. Together with our partners we can make the impact that is needed!”

He also commented: “Sometimes we forget how lucky we are in our business. Within travel retail many of us are privileged to see so much of the world, travelling as we do on a regular basis, and often enjoying corporate hospitality at conferences and events. This was a great initiative that brought all of us in the travel retail team back down to earth, enabling us to support and help others not as fortunate as we are.”

 Willem van Prooijen, Food Bank Netherlands, said: "We are very grateful that with the help of these partners, we can provide no less than 35,000 families with an end-of-year package this Christmas. Everyone deserves to have enough food and drink and it is especially necessary during this period of the year that this message is expressed. "

About Food Banks Netherlands

In 2017, food banks in the Netherlands distributed over 35,000 food packages from 169 local food banks with the help of 11,000 volunteers. 132,500 Dutch people were dependent on the food bank last year.More info: www.voedselbankennederland.nl .