Aberdeen’s Stoneywood Primary School Takes Part In Global ‘Healthy for Life’ Volunteer Day

March 19, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Stoneywood Primary School in Aberdeen has taken part in a worldwide initiative designed to inspire and educate children about healthy lifestyles and eating. 

The school linked up international food service company, Aramark, to host a day of activities on the theme ‘Inspiring kids to be healthy for life’.  The aim was to get the school’s children excited by the ideas of healthier lifestyles, better nutrition and taking more exercise; the day of activities included making healthy packed lunches, games and quizzes, building vegetable and herb gardens, and developing an allotment.

Sue Yorston, Acting Head Teacher at Stoneywood Primary School, said:  “The children have had a wonderful day with each child from nursery to P7 having the opportunity to be involved in leaning activities promoting healthy living. The Aramark team have shared their expertise in food and nutrition in fun and interesting ways and we are immensely grateful to them for their time and support.

“On our allotment a team has worked hard to prepare the plot for pupils to allow growing activities to commence this season, this support has been crucial in its timing and ensures that we can now start planting. Aramark’s valuable contribution will impact on the learning experiences of all our pupils leading to the production of our ‘home grown’ fruit and vegetables.”

Aramark held the event as part of its first Global Volunteer Day on 19 March, which saw more 150 of its employees volunteer to run a fun ‘healthy for life’ activity day at four schools across Great Britain.  Other events were held in Birmingham, London and Hampshire meaning that, in total, around 1,000 children took part.

On the same day, across many of the countries in which Aramark operates, thousands of employees came together to deliver local community projects based on the same theme of ‘Inspiring kids to be healthy for life’.  The theme was chosen in recognition of the growing problem of obesity across the world and the need to provide improved awareness of healthier lifestyles.  On the same day as the events at Stoneywood Primary School, more than 100 similar community volunteering events took place across the world in locations as diverse as Philadelphia, Santiago, Beijing, Mumbai and Barcelona.

Willie Rowell, Aramark Account Director who organised the day of events at Stoneywood, said:  “What an inspiring and fun time we had at Stoneywood Primary School!  It was quite something for us all be part of a unique day, where children across the world find out how they can live more healthy lifestyles.  As one of the world’s largest food service companies, serving more than 2 billion meals to customers each year across the globe, we see the importance of educating people of all ages to make healthier choices and we understand our responsibility to help make that happen.”

-ends-

Notes to editors

The concept of Global Volunteer Day is an extension of Aramark’s existing year-round philanthropic and volunteering programme, Aramark Building Community.  Since it was introduced in 2008, more than 20,000 Aramark employees around the world have given their time to support community projects which are estimated to have helped up to four million families, whether through improving family health, preparing young people and adults for the world of work, or supporting individuals and families working their way out of poverty.

About Aramark:  Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) delivers experiences that enrich and nourish people’s lives through innovative services in food, facilities management, and uniforms.  United by a passion to serve, our more than 270,000 employees make a meaningful difference each day for millions of people in 22 countries around the world.  Aramark is recognised among the Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE and the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

In the UK:  Aramark is a market-leading, award-winning food service and facilities management partner to organisations across sectors including business and industry, education, offshore, defence and healthcare.  We have thousands of employees throughout the UK, who provide a vast range of services.  One of our strengths is tailor-made food and refreshment services, including business dining, employee restaurants, retail facilities and coffee outlets, delivered across the country.  We also focus on broader facilities management ranging from hotel services to reception duties, cleaning, maintenance and many more, provided either as stand-alone services or integrated with catering or other offers. www.aramark.co.uk