For the members of Suntory Global Spirits’ Women’s ERG, the day started early — at a meal center in Midtown Manhattan, not far from their offices. There, some of them packed meals to be delivered to homebound older New Yorkers in the neighborhood. Others served food and coffee to the older adults who came to the center for lunch. All of them did so with a smile on their faces and a desire to help their older neighbors. 

“The hope is that the team will be able to make connections, not only with their colleagues through team building and networking outside of their day-to-day functions, but with the community,” says Rosey Allen, a senior manager at Suntory. 

Rosey joined the New York leadership team for WISE — Women Inspired to Strive and Empower — two years ago. “I have always had an interest in elevating women’s voices in business and corporate settings,” she says. 

WISE is an employee resource group made up of women focused on leading advocacy and empowerment, promoting education and development and facilitating in-reach out-reach activities, like volunteering with Citymeals. 

Suntory and Citymeals have been working together since 2017. In that time, they’ve sponsored events like the Annual Chef’s Tribute and provided over 8,500 meals to older New Yorkers in need. In addition to packing them, employees have also started delivering meals to their older neighbors. “We are very excited to be expanding our partnership and adding more volunteer opportunities for our employees,” adds Rosey.  

My favorite part of volunteering is the thankful culture it creates.

Combating food insecurity is an issue particularly close to Rosey’s heart. “My mother, Susan Allen, is a lifelong role model for me,” she says. “She has run a volunteer-based food pantry for over 25 years in Boston, Massachusetts. I grew up restocking shelves and handing out meals, not only for major holidays, but for weekly pickup for the elderly, single mothers and families with need. Every holiday when I return home to see family, I plan to arrive early to help my mother and community give out groceries and meals. It’s an experience that is extremely rewarding.”

Rosey wants that same experience for her fellow Suntory employees. “My favorite part of volunteering is the thankful culture it creates,” she says. “The smiles and opportunity to promote positive change and authentic community building.”