Where the SERIS Foundation Begins
On a weeknight in Rotterdam, a large pot of soup is simmering on the stove at a neighborhood restaurant. Volunteers come and go, chairs are pulled up, and conversations start even before everyone is seated. For some, it’s a regular weekly event; for others, it’s a place where they can take a break from being alone.
Among those present are also SERIS employees. They are not there to be recognized or to represent anyone, but simply as part of the group. That kind of involvement is the starting point for the SERIS Foundation. It’s not about being visible, but about being present where it matters.
The SERIS Foundation is not a one-off initiative, but a way to systematically foster social engagement in Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and the surrounding region. What starts with small moments grows into a lasting impact
The SERIS Foundation as a social choice
Social engagement requires making choices, maintaining continuity, and recognizing that impact is not always immediately visible or measurable. SERIS has made a conscious decision to organize this engagement through the foundation, ensuring that it is not a one-off effort but an integral part of how the organization operates.
Every year, we support a number of local initiatives that contribute to well-being, inclusion, and social cohesion. These are not abstract concepts or national campaigns, but organizations that work with people on a daily basis and know exactly what is happening in their communities.
The basic principle is simple. Support must be practical, provided locally, and tailored to actual needs. In this way, social engagement is not a side issue, but a natural part of how SERIS connects with the community in Rotterdam and Dordrecht.
How the SERIS Foundation is organized
To ensure that our involvement is sustainable, we have opted for a clear structure. Each year, we support at least five initiatives, both financially and through the contribution of our staff. These are not one-time efforts, but rather long-term partnerships.
What sets this approach apart is the role of employees within the organization. They propose initiatives, participate in decision-making, and get involved where appropriate. Three of the five decisions come directly from the organization itself, meaning that engagement is not dictated from above but arises from within.
This keeps social engagement concrete and tangible. It’s not just an abstract policy, but something people are truly a part of and feel connected to.
Local impact in Rotterdam and Dordrecht
The focus is deliberately on local initiatives. In cities like Rotterdam and Dordrecht, it quickly becomes clear where support is needed and what concrete results it yields. By staying close to the ground, the impact remains tangible.
In Rotterdam, the foundation supports organizations such as De Gaarkeuken. This organization cooks daily for neighborhood restaurants throughout the city and helps bring people together over a meal. In 2025, more than 40,000 meals were served.
That number illustrates the scale of the operation, but the real value lies in what happens behind the scenes. For many visitors, it’s all about structure, connection, and the feeling of being welcome. It is precisely that human touch that makes all the difference.
In addition to food aid, the foundation also provides financial support where needed.
The Rotterdam Special Needs Fund helps people who find themselves in a crisis and have nowhere else to turn.
The amounts involved are often relatively small, such as the cost of eyeglasses, a washing machine, or necessary medical expenses. Yet it is precisely this kind of support that can prevent problems from escalating further and people from falling into even greater difficulty.
Each year, the fund helps between 3,500 and 4,000 households, often within 24 hours. That speed is crucial, because it makes the difference between sliding further into hardship or regaining control. By supporting these initiatives, the foundation contributes to stability at times when it really matters.
The SERIS Foundation and Responsible Employment Practices
The foundation focuses not only on external impact, but also on the role of employees. Social engagement only works if people can connect with it and have the opportunity to contribute themselves.
Within the organization, employees are given the opportunity to contribute ideas and get involved. They help decide which initiatives to support and how they want to be involved. This can range from providing practical assistance to sharing knowledge or simply being there.
This approach aligns with the vision of responsible employment practices. It is not about top-down management, but about engagement that comes from the employees themselves.
Sport en samenwerking in Dordrecht en Rotterdam
Sports play an important role in strengthening communities. Through its foundation, SERIS supports various sports organizations, including FC Dordrecht, Sliedrecht Sport, and Sparta Rotterdam.
Sports clubs foster connections and provide structure. They create places where people come together, where talent develops, and where self-confidence grows. For many neighborhoods, these are important community hubs.
In Dordrecht, SERIS is a partner of FC Dordrecht through the foundation and is part of Energiek Dordt. Within this network, the education sector, healthcare, government, and the business community work together on issues such as vitality, participation, and employment. These partnerships create an impact that goes beyond isolated initiatives and gains strength through continuity.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice
SERIS’s social role is reflected not only through the foundation but also in its day-to-day decisions. Whenever possible, the company collaborates with local partners and suppliers in Rotterdam and Dordrecht. This strengthens the regional economy and helps build lasting relationships.
Although these choices may be less visible, they are an important part of how the organization operates. It is precisely the combination of structural support and day-to-day decisions that ensures a consistent approach.
The SERIS Foundation as a philosophy
SERIS is part of a family-owned business with a long-term vision. This stability allows us to approach social responsibility not as a temporary measure, but as a structural commitment.
The foundation is a natural extension of that. It is not a campaign or a standalone project, but a way of working that is deeply embedded in the organization.
The initiatives vary in form and scale, but they share a clear commonality: they are local, practical, and people-centered. Rather than telling a story, the foundation shows what is actually happening in Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and the surrounding region.
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