Zanders Gives Back: Making December a month of Giving 

For many, December is the most magical time of the year. It is a season filled with the warmth of family members, the joy of hanging out with friends, and the coziness of gathering around the Christmas tree with Christmas music in the background. It can be said that December is a month of celebration, reflection and gratitude. Yet, amidst the laughter and the shared moments, it's important to remember that for some, this season can also spark feelings of loneliness and hardship.  

The true beauty of the holiday season is the part where we give back. We take a moment to extend our kindness and take the opportunity to give back to our communities, to reach out to those who may be struggling, and to make the season a little brighter for everyone. With this in mind, we at Zanders, organized a great initiative called “Zanders Gives Back” that is in line with the spirit of December: a period of solidarity, giving and time together. 

With 19 enthusiastic volunteers, we brought festive cheer to a local community house in Amsterdam Oost, a safe neighborhood meeting space where young and old gather to connect with fellow residents, enjoy a nice cup of coffee, receive support, and stay active. Our team organized a Christmas high tea lunch for 50 local residents, who are all part of the wider community. Divided into groups, each with a specific task and clear instructions to ensure that the food was ready on time. We worked together to prepare a nice high tea including delicate sandwiches, colorful fruit sticks, devilled eggs and mozzarella sticks. Meanwhile, others folded napkins and created thoughtful place cards with a nice holiday message to the tables. 

After finishing the food preparations, we started decorating the room, stringing garlands along the walls to create a festive atmosphere, and we made sure to have plenty of tea and coffee ready to serve. Just before the guests arrived, we prepared the freshly baked croissants and bagels on the tables, all ready to go for a nice Christmas high tea.  

Serving coffee and tea became an opportunity to connect further, listening to local residents, each with their own personal story. It wasn’t just about the food or the decorations. It was about celebrating Christmas together, bridging gaps, and making everyone feel part of something special. Throughout the lunch, laughter was shared, kind words were said, and joy was simply present.  

As the afternoon came to an end, we reflected on the impact of this simple yet meaningful gesture. The high tea lunch reminded us of the importance of kindness, the value of community, and the power of working together toward a shared goal. Not only did this experience allow us to give back, but it also strengthened our bond as colleagues, making it a truly memorable day. 

At Zanders, we believe that giving back to the community is not just a responsibility but it’s an integral part of who we are. Initiatives like "Zanders Gives Back" allow us to live out our values, making a meaningful impact on the community while fostering a sense of purpose and connection among our team. 

Such initiatives are important because they provide us with the opportunity to step outside of our daily work, come together as a team, and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. By engaging with the community, we not only spread joy and support those who may feel lonely or in need, but we also strengthen the bond between our employees, creating shared memories and deepening relationships in a way that goes beyond the workplace. Volunteering activities like this remind us of the power of kindness and connection. They exemplify our commitment to being a company that cares, not only about what we do but about the world we’re helping to shape and make a positive difference.