Forty-strong group of Vodafone team members from Call Centre, Credit Control, Customer Administration and Fault Handling are spending their Wednesdays this month at St Vincent de Paul bringing joy and laughter to the residents thanks to their choreographed dancing, coordinated by professional dancer Charles Duca who is also a Vodafone employee. The employees, including managers, rehearse their repertoires after office hours in order to give a good performance and bring more than just a smile to the residents’ faces.

“Our dancing has put ear-to-ear smiles on the elderly’s faces,” said Rachel Zahra, who also sings in the wards, giving particular attention to couples. Pippa Portelli and Sarah Calleja said they never thought an experience like this would be so rewarding and cannot wait to do it all over again.

Charles Duca said that although the Vodafone team members are not professional dancers, it was impressive how much energy and passion they put into the choreography. “They took it extremely seriously. This meant that ultimately the aim of bringing joy and happiness to the residents was achieved,” he said. “The experience has been amazing. Sharing, giving and helping are wonderful and it gives so much satisfaction.”

This initiative complements the work already being carried out by the Vodafone Malta Foundation, which encourages voluntary work among Vodafone team members. The Vodafone team members danced and sang in all the St Vincent de Paul wards to reach all residents, even those who are bed-bound and can’t make it to the main hall where entertainment usually takes place. This initiative also doubled up as an alternative team-building exercise where colleagues got to know each other better.

Maroushka Falletta said: “This experience made me realise how important voluntary work is and I am looking forward to take on this commitment at St Vincent de Paul on a regular basis.” Stephanie Tanti added, “The elderly’s reactions filled my heart with energy and peace” while Andre Grech expressed the satisfaction he felt by being altruistic adding that “this event helped put difficult moments into perspective”.

Kenneth Cremona Caruana, Head of Entertainment Section at St Vincent de Paul commended the Vodafone initiative. “This was an excellent experience for all. The residents were delighted and our staff was thrilled with this different concept. We were amazed by the fact that Vodafone teams worked so hard to give fun, warmth, joy and laughter to all our residents. We just hope that this collaboration will grow further in the future,” he concluded.