NNR Chicago Team Packs Over 25,000 Meals for Haiti in Team-Building Event

1 August 2024 04 MINS. Read United States

Ready, Set, Start!

On Tuesday, July 24, 2024, a team of NNR employees from the Chicago branch raced to pack meals that will feed Haitian children in need. Within one hour, the room packed 118 boxes, which came to a total of 25,488 meals.

Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to feed children worldwide: “We want to reach everyone, until ALL are fed.”

The packing process starts with opening a bag; the team members stay careful not to put their fingers inside. First, vitamins are added, then veggies, soy, and rice. Once each bag is filled to its target weight of 375g, it is sealed for shipping.

How the event brings us together

The event is a bonding experience for NNR. The employees split into groups and race to pack the most boxes. A variety of volunteers meet in the packing room from all different companies. It is an event everyone can participate in whether that be coworkers, friends, family members and more.

Diane Carlson, an Account Executive who previously attended the event with her nephew, said, “I am very impressed with the creativity of how they invented this whole process.” Feed My Starving Children is an organization that markets to everyone. In fiscal year 2023-2024, the company had 1,162,560 volunteers. “I think it is a great event for families, kids and companies,” Carlson said.

With eight NNR volunteers returning to the event from the prior year, participation more than doubled in 2024, with a total of 19 volunteers. Dimitri Milano, a Sales Development Representative who has attended the event many times and tries to go at least twice a year, mentioned the importance of teamwork. “We get to build team camaraderie while helping children less fortunate around the world,” Milano said.

The impact the event has on us

For the employees who have gone to the event before, they know the routine. When it is the employee’s first time, it opens a window to a new world. They get to see how much their actions are helping the world even though it is just for an hour. It can help feed over 100 kids per group and that number is just per group for the hour.

Jeff McDonald, Vice President of NNR Global Logistics USA, attended the event for the first time this year. McDonald said, “I love the camaraderie and team building that comes from our volunteer activities. At our core, our corporate motto, ‘Connecting Your Dreams,’ reflects our commitment not only to global logistics, but also to giving back to our communities. By supporting our local communities and helping connect the dreams of those less fortunate, we extend our mission far and wide, ensuring we make a positive impact both globally and locally.”

It was also the first time that District Sales Manager Mike Oliver attended. “It was a tremendous opportunity to help children in need in a team-building competitive environment that made it fun and fulfilling at the same time,” Oliver said. “I look forward to future opportunities to help those in need.”

NNR had a wonderful time volunteering at the Feed Our Starving Children event and will be back again. It is a unique opportunity that allows us to give back to the community and show how we are “Connecting your Dreams.”