On July 28, 2026, the Woolworths Asia Pacific and Philippines team stepped into the Sama Bajau Activity Center, joining the children as they arrived for a day of learning.
Welcomed with warm smiles by the staff from Thrive and the Cartwheel Foundation, the team started the morning with a brief orientation to learn more about the community, the school meals program, and the dedicated educators who guide the students each day. The anticipation in the room was palpable as everyone prepared to serve, learn, and connect.
Members of Woolworths Global and Philippines are welcomed by Cartwheel Foundation, which partners with Thrive to support learners attending the Activity Center
Getting Involved: Cooking and Connecting
To make the most of the morning, the Woolworths group divided into two teams. One half rolled up their sleeves and headed to the kitchen to work alongside the community’s “Mom Cook”. Gathering around chopping boards, the volunteers helped prepare pinakbet, a comforting Filipino dish made with squash, okra, eggplant, string beans, and tomatoes. Laughter and stories filled the air as the team washed, sliced, and portioned the vegetables, turning a simple cooking task into a beautiful, shared effort.
Nadene Smith (Global Team Leader, Product Safety) and Kaine Williams (General Manager, People) join Thrive mom Parisa prepping vegetables for pinakbet, the dish of the day.
Ace Duhan (Customer Service Manager, Woolworths MarketPlus) assists Dan Hake (Managing Director BIG W) with cooking lunch for the kids.
Meanwhile, the other half of the team headed to the classroom to join the day’s lesson. The room quickly filled with energy as the children clapped along to a rhythm activity and broke out into a joyful dance. The Woolworths staff eagerly joined the fun, mirroring the children’s movements and cheering them on, creating a wonderful celebration of joy and learning.
Team Woolworths helping kids with their activity of the day, learning the alphabet while making art!
A Shared Table and Special Surprises
Once the pinakbet was simmering and ready, everyone gathered back together for lunch. Woolworths employees helped serve the freshly cooked meal to the eager children, who already knew and loved the familiar comfort food. They do love their vegetables!
After the meal, the Woolworths team had another surprise in store. They distributed special care packages to the children, who clutched their new gifts with immense gratitude and delight.
The morning wrapped up with a closing circle featuring heartfelt reflections from Woolworths, Thrive, and the Cartwheel Foundation. It was a time to share words of hope and express deep gratitude to the Mom Cooks, teachers, and community leaders who make daily learning possible.
