To mark the Dutch 'National Day For The Elderly' or, Nationale Ouderen Dag - held on 7 October this year - managers of Albert Heijn stores in The Hague joined some of their elderly customers on a trip to Rotterdam Zoo.
Nationwide, volunteers were recruited among the staff and customers of over 70 Albert Heijn shops, to make wishes come true for many elderly customers. Requests varied from small repairs, home-improvement and painting jobs to visiting family - or attending a concert, theatre performance or special event.
The National Day For The Elderly is an annual event, organised by the Dutch 'National Fund For The Elderly' (Nationaal Ouderen Fonds). It takes place every first Friday in October. The event was established in 1990, to provide event-specific social support, to combat loneliness and depression among the elderly.
Albert Heijn is the largest supermarket chain in The Netherlands. For many of its elderly customers, who visit their local branch daily, the Albert Heijn stores provide a social meeting place as well as a place to shop.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Martha Sparrius. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
