Wednesday, September 30, 2009, Ottawa – This morning, United Way Ottawa and Volunteer Ottawa launched a new volunteer opportunity with the first installment of Community Action Days. Replacing the traditional Day of Caring program, Community Action Days will offer four opportunities – throughout United Way Ottawa’s community campaign – for workplace groups across the city to get out from behind their desk and volunteer with community organizations.

“People in Ottawa care about their community — they want to make a difference and take an active role in shaping this community to be better for all,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way Ottawa. “Whether it’s a donation to our campaign or volunteering with Community Action Days, every little bit of help counts. Undoubtedly, it counts for the lives we’re changing.

Since 2000, United Way and Volunteer Ottawa have offered Day of Caring events. The response in the last few years has grown so much that the two organizations had to expand the event to four days, giving participants more dates to choose from and more chances to get involved — ultimately offering community organizations more support.

“Community Action Days tap into the volunteer potential in Ottawa, embracing the strong desire community members have to give back at a real, grass-roots level,” said Will Coukell, Executive Director, Volunteer Ottawa. “With more than 300 Volunteer Ottawa member organizations and thousands of volunteer opportunities there are no boundaries to how people can give back to their community, and every effort has positive results.”

This morning, Best Tools for Schools helped kick off the new program with a donation of enough school supplies for at least 150 student kits. They were then assembled and packaged by volunteer teams from National Defence and Canada Border Services Agency. The kits were distributed through community organizations and a couple of local schools to ensure children have proper school supplies. Some of the many other projects happening today in our community included planting trees with the city’s Forestry Services, painting at the Glebe Centre and gardening with the Shepherds of Good Hope.

Workplaces or people interested in helping out on a Community Action Day can find out more information or sign up online at www.communityactiondays.com. The site allows participants to view and select a volunteer project that interests them, and a date that works well. In addition to today’s program, Community Action Days will take place on October 27, November 19 and December 9.

About United Way Ottawa
United Way Ottawa’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2009, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support nearly 200 projects, programs and partnerships in more than 100 community organizations.

About Volunteer Ottawa 
Volunteer Ottawa builds volunteer capacity by supporting the needs of non-profit organizations by linking them with community energy. By recognizing the significant value of volunteers, Volunteer Ottawa is committed to increasing awareness and recognition through education, supported programs and volunteer matching to ensure a strong and sustainable community.

For more information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 or Cell: 613-294-8128
E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca
Website: www.unitedwayottawa.ca

Jill Woodley, Volunteer Ottawa
Phone: 613-736-5266 ext. 225
E-mail: jill@volunteerottawa.ca  
Website: www.volunteerottawa.ca