Press Release - Volunteer During Colorado Cares Day
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CONTACT:
Toya Nelson, Gov's. Commission on Community Service, toya.nelson@state.co.us
(303) 866-2524 (office) (303) 552-4261 (cell)
Wil Alston, Gov's Press Office, (303)-866-6323, wil.alston@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER ENCOURAGES COLORADANS TO VOLUNTEER THIS SATURDAY DURING 10TH ANNUAL COLORADO CARES DAY
Colorado will be celebrating the 10th Annual Colorado Cares Day this Saturday. The day is a state-coordinated initiative dedicated to encouraging Coloradans to give back to their communities by volunteering for a variety of service projects throughout the state. Colorado Cares Day is typically done in conjunction with Colorado Day, which occurs August 1st and celebrates Colorado's statehood. Gov. Ritter will again be issuing a proclamation marking Colorado Day 2008.
"Colorado Cares Day is a great way to celebrate our love for our state," Gov. Ritter said. "It promotes the idea of leaving our children and grandchildren a better Colorado, and there is simply no better way to give back to our state and your community than by taking a day to participate in a volunteer activity."
Dozens of projects have been planned and can be found at the Governor's Commission on Community Service's website located at: www.colorado.gov/coloradocares. Projects range from youth mentoring and education to environmental clean-up and repair, and neighborhood revitalization and health care. In addition, projects are planned in counties and cities along the Front Range and mountain communities including: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld Counties.
Colorado is well above average in volunteerism compared to national numbers:
- Colorado ranks 18th among states in average volunteer hours per resident per year.
- Colorado ranks 8th in the rate of volunteer service performed by college students. Almost 40% of college students in Colorado serve their communities.
- Colorado ranks 16th among states in the volunteer rate of adults aged 65 and older. 27% of Coloradoans aged 65 and over volunteer to serve their communities.
Colorado Cares Day service projects can be registered until Friday, July 25th and volunteers can find opportunities to serve by contacting the Governor's Commission on Community Service at (303) 866.6426 or visiting the website at: www.colorado.gov/coloradocares.