Breast cancer impacts one in eight women in the United States and 2.3 million women worldwide every year. In an effort to create meaningful engagement for employees during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aramark Community Relations and Aramark’s EMPOWER Employee Resource Group, which works to drive leadership and development opportunities through the connection and engagement of women, collaborated to create volunteer activities that emphasize the company’s commitment to driving positive outcomes. 

Throughout October, employees raised awareness and support by participating in various virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities. Activities included designing virtual encouragement cards, supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to assemble HOPE Kits, and more. 

In Philadelphia and Chicago, employees assembled 80 HOPE Kits filled with thoughtful items that patients have said are comforting and encouraging while undergoing breast cancer treatment. The groups hosted discussions about their personal “why” and wore stickers with the names of those in which they were honoring through participation in this activity. Employees also watched a video that shared first-person stories from HOPE Kit recipients and what receiving the kits meant to them during their cancer journeys.

Kirsten M., Manager of Aramark Community Relations, shared insight into Aramark’s partnership with NBCF.  

“The NBCF’s HOPE Kits are a tangible expression of hope, providing comfort and encouragement to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Thanks to these volunteer efforts, we were able to provide kits to 80 women from all over the US, offering additional support during their treatment.” 

Additionally, Tech Day of Pink was held virtually by Avendra Global Supply Chain and Aramark’s Group Purchasing Organization’s IT group. Employees participated in a virtual encouragement card activity supporting NBCF, and multiple locations across the country hosted activities with resources and educational materials on early detection.  

In Nashville, card writing events were held at Aramark’s Global Business Services location every Wednesday in October. More than 50 volunteers wrote encouragement cards to help inspire hope in those affected by breast cancer.  

In addition to the volunteer activities sponsored by EMPOWER and Aramark Community Relations in October, Aramark’s team at Lafayette General Medical Center in Louisiana participated in the Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation’s annual Gumbo Cook-Off, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team donned seventies-inspired pink costumes as Teyerance A., Chef Manager at Lafayette General Medical Center, and Greg G., Food Service Manager cooked up chicken & sausage gumbo and seafood gumbo, respectively, for the competition. The two even shared their tips with the local NBC affiliate.