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Planning CSR activities for a large team can be a challenge, but our recent event proved that big numbers can create a bigger impact. In this heartwarming team-building day, every single member of the company took on an important role to build a joyful little fair for children from the orphanage. From preparing the games to decorating the space and guiding the kids through each activity, the team turned their energy, creativity, and kindness into a memorable day filled with smiles. Here’s a quick recap of how we transformed teamwork into something truly meaningful in this CSR team building in Ho Chi Minh city.
The challenge
Microsoft approached Jackfruit with a request to craft a CSR program for 120 – 130 pax, the second largest group we’ve ever handled. We suggested our signature CSR activities, from cooking warm meals for the children in Heart & Hands to racing through hidden alleyways to earn gifts for the orphanage in Impact Race. Still, the team worried whether these ideas could truly host such a big crowd. That’s when we introduced our trump card: Share, Care & Fair, a lively mini carnival created especially for the kids. The concept immediately won the hearts of the Microsoft team, setting up a day full of joy and meaningful interactions for everyone.
How we helped
Our Jackfruit internal teams joined forces to plan the layout, select the number of booths, and reach out to three orphanages: Bung Sang orphanage, Ga Sai Gon orphanage and Anh Sang shelter. All three agreed to let the children join the fair, and together they brought around 60 kids since it was still summer and they were on school break.
Once every detail had been carefully prepared, it was time to turn this exciting idea into reality. On the event day, we transferred over 100 Microsoft members to the peaceful venue on beautiful Thanh Da Island.
There, 13 empty booths stood waiting to be brightened with toys and decorations. The venue was divided into two main areas: one for game challenges and one focused on culinary exploration. The booths were evenly split between the two sections and ten members were assigned to each booth. The teams needed to work quickly since the children were expected to arrive in just two hours and the clock was ticking.
In the food area (‘Culinary city’ we called), each booth prepared a Vietnamese childhood favorite dish such as ‘Vietnamese pizza’ or mini banh mi. In the games area, booths featured traditional Vietnamese childhood games like banh dua, as well as a small workshop where kids could explore their artistic side by drawing on colorful posters with cut-out holes for their faces. The missions were fast-paced but fun, pushing participants to discover Vietnamese culture while completing everything in time. With support from the Jackfruit team and the growing teamwork among Microsoft members, they pulled off an impressive fair and were ready to welcome those little angels.
When the kids arrived, they screamed out loud with excitement and joy at the lively scene in front of them. They lined up patiently before entering in small groups. Once inside, they were free to choose whichever zone they wanted to explore first. At each zone, they received a checklist card where they could track all the dishes they tasted in the culinary city or all the games they completed in the folk game town. In the games zone, children who won certain challenges even received a special gift prepared by the Microsoft volunteers. And just like that, a meaningful and heartwarming 4 hour fair unfolded, filled with laughter, learning and connection.
The results
The outcome was beyond what both Jackfruit and the Microsoft team expected. Every member got the chance to learn more about Vietnamese culture through childhood games and traditional snacks. They bonded more closely than ever as they shared the same mission: to warm the hearts of these less fortunate yet beautiful children and give a BIG thank back to the community.
Some members worried that the kids might not finish all the games or enjoy the dishes they had cooked for the first time. But the results showed the opposite. The children were excited, energetic, and eager to explore every booth. A few Microsoft members even used their little free time during the busy hours to sit with the kids, listen to their stories.
For us at Jackfruit, it was truly heartwarming to witness the dedication of the Microsoft team and to see the bright smiles on the children’s faces. And the feedback from Microsoft said it all: they rated the experience an easy 10 stars out of 5 for this wonderful CSR Ho Chi Minh team building.
