Published 11-14-07
Submitted by Points of Light
ATLANTA, GA - November 14, 2007 - Throughout the country, families will join together to serve their communities by volunteering in celebration of Family Volunteer Day, an initiative of Points of Light & Hands On Network. The day is about fostering caring values and providing engagement opportunities that enable families to become contributors, problem solvers, and partners in building cohesive communities.
Family Volunteer Day, sponsored by The Walt Disney Company features their own Disney
"Through our involvement with Points of Light & Hands On Network, we have seen that there is virtually no limit to the positive impact young people can have in their communities," said Jeff Hoffman, Vice President, Disney Worldwide Outreach. "Working with parents, teachers and others in communities to provide children with volunteer opportunities is the best foundation to help develop and communicate the importance of giving back. It is hoped, that participation in outreach efforts through Family Volunteer Day, will pose a lasting influence on families in shaping a lifelong value of service."
Research also indicates strong connections between those who engage in volunteering at a young age and those who continue to serve throughout their lives. Other research shows:
"Volunteering as a family is a great way to spend valuable time together, underscored by the ideals of a life committed to serving others," said Michelle Nun, CEO of Points of Light & Hands On Network. "I'm grateful to my parents for introducing me to a lifestyle of service at a young age, not only through their example, but through our actual involvement in volunteering. It's a legacy I know my children continue to enjoy today."
For more information on Family Volunteer Day, and to find out ways to volunteer with your family throughout the year visit www.FamilyVolunteerDay.org
About Points of Light & Hands On Network
Points of Light & Hands On Network inspires and mobilizes people to become engaged, take action and solve community problems. The organization supports a robust network of 370 affiliates, covering 83% of the US market, with twelve international locations. Collectively, they mobilize millions of volunteers who partner with thousands of nonprofits, schools and community organizations every year. By cultivating a dynamic network of linked civic hubs, corporate partners, nonprofits, and citizen leaders who engage volunteers in meaningful community change, they are building a change movement - achieving scale and impact by inspiring a culture of service and offering practical tools, new ideas and innovation to the civic space.
For more information, visit www.HandsOnNetwork.org or www.PointsOfLight.org
About Disney Worldwide Outreach
Disney brightens the lives of children in need around the world through global outreach programs, local community initiatives and the Disney VoluntEARS program. Last year, Disney donated $177 million in cash and in-kind support to various charities around the world. Disney VoluntEARS contributed 466,000 hours of service and the Company drew upon its unique magic to make wishes come true for children and families. The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Disney employees to contribute their time and expertise towards making a positive impact in the communities they serve while furthering the traditions and ideals of The Walt Disney Company. For more information on Disney's outreach efforts, please visit www.disneyoutreach.com
Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.
Partnering with Points of Light means you’ll have the expertise and support you need to mobilize your colleagues and create community impact using all aspects of civic engagement. We've helped companies with a variety of needs including implementing large-scale employee volunteer events, tackling your larger social impact vision, expanding how you engage communities and consumers, infusing new ideas to your annual employee engagement programs, connecting with peers to bring the latest and greatest ideas on impact measurement, and getting company leadership investment and buy-in. Learn more today.
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