Salesforce + Sue Ryder Foundation – A Volunteer Partnership That’s Just Starting…

By: Michelle Carter, Sue Ryder Foundation

The Sue Ryder Foundation Ireland is a not for profit organisation dedicated to helping older people live safely, securely and independently. We have 6 residential facilities within Ireland and 32 charity shops helping to fund the Houses. Our journey with Salesforce began with a pro bono project in our office in Blackrock which has now grown to us welcoming 3 Salesforce Volunteering Projects to The Sue Ryder House in Dalkey Co. Dublin.

We welcomed the first of the Salesforce groups in mid August 2017. The Sun was shining making it perfect timing for the Gardening Project. The Salesforce volunteers arrived each morning with a great sense of enthusiasm, ready to get stuck in. And that they did! Within 2 days the volunteers had repainted the front gates, painted the residents seated area and benches, dug flower beds, planted flowers, cut back the overgrowth of shrubs and trees, all done with a massive smile on their faces. The changes made to the gardens within those 2 days has been transformative.

Enthused by the success of our first project, Salesforce returned early September to tackle the redecoration of the Residents Dining Room. A vital part of the care for our residents is the inclusion of a 4 course home cooked, nourishing lunch served every day at 1pm in the Dining room which was in need of redecoration and modernisation. Over the two days Salesforce worked their magic and transformed it from a dark and dated salmon pink room to a bright and spacious Dining Area. This project was completed in mid September by Salesforce, with the final touches made the Dining Room is now unrecognisable.

Our residents were delighted not only with the amazing work which was going on but also to have the burst of energy Salesforce brought to the facility. A very special part of these projects is watching how our residents interact with the Salesforce teams and the volunteers are always more than happy to stop, have a chat and listen to a story of old. When lunch time rolls around, our residents look forward to welcoming a new face to their table and making a new friend. The changes Salesforce have helped make for our residents is invaluable, not only visually but the energy and enthusiasm the volunteers bring is like a breath of fresh air and lingers in the atmosphere for all to enjoy.

On behalf of us all at The Sue Ryder Foundation Ireland, we would like to say a massive thank you to all the Salesforce Teams whom we have had the pleasure in welcoming to the facility in Dalkey. Your hard work and efforts have transformed The Sue Ryder House, brought a new sense of life to our residents and has brightened up their daily social lunch gathering. You have made a huge and very positive impact and for this we are forever thankful and look forward to future volunteering projects with Salesforce.