On April 08, 2022 we organized a cultural trash pick-up tour for Equinix, a leading digital infrastructure company. The mission: an unforgettable team-building event with a clean Oosterpark as a result. The outcome: 13 crossed-out trash bingo cards, 8 garbage bags full of trash, and 26 happy faces with new insider knowledge in their pockets.
Friday, 08:45, Oosterpark Amsterdam. After almost two years of working from home due to the pandemic, 26 early bird employees from Equinix are ready to conquer Amsterdam’s oldest public park with trash grabbers and garbage bags. Today’s challenge: which of the 13 teams will be the first one with a full trash bingo card? On the go, Adam Helpt project coordinator Leonine is taking the group on a discovery tour along different monuments and hidden gems while introducing them to the colorful history of the Oosterpark.
Carita van Velzen, Executive Assistant, and Arianna Summa, Program Manager, are the driving forces behind Equinix’ teambuilding event. Both are volunteering in their free time and reached out to us in order to help Equinix organize a corporate volunteering event bringing employees from different offices closer together. “The best thing about volunteering is that we can create connectivity inside the company while serving the community at the same time!” Arianna explains “It is a nice, informal way for our team to get to know each other while working towards one common goal.”
During the 2 hour-long trash pick up tour through the park, there is enough time for all employees to mingle, chat with each other and laugh together.
Alistair Stephen, Senior Director Integration Programs, has a special relationship with Oosterpark. Living in the area, he considers Oosterpark a place where everyone is welcome. Located in the eastern part of the city, the Oosterpark area houses a multicultural community with over 100 different nationalities. Alistair, originally from Scotland, being one of them. He finds it important to do good in the world as a company and has been volunteering for Equinix before: “We all have a social responsibility! That’s why I think every company should take the opportunity and combine their team building events with environmental, social, or governance initiatives.”
At the end of the morning, Oosterpark is ready to receive more visitors to enjoy the day in a clean and green environment. We close the team building event with the announcement of the bingo winners, a warm applause and chocolate easter eggs for everyone as a well-deserved reward. “When will we do this again?” someone asks before the team is heading back to the office with a big smile on their face.
A big thank you to the whole Equinix team for making our city a greener place together. We are looking forward to our next cultural trash pick-up tour with you!
Got inspired by Equinix?
Great to hear! We at Adam Helpt are happy to help you discover the different volunteering possibilities for your company or team. Just reach out to us and we can discuss the different options together.