Media Releases
December 19, 2007
City of Rochester, United Way announce new volunteer initiative
OneCity Connection links volunteers with opportunities to help those most in need
Rochester, NY – Leaders from the City of Rochester and United Way of Greater Rochester today announced that they have joined forces to create OneCity Connection, a virtual hub that links volunteers with meaningful projects in the City of Rochester, and the Greater Rochester region.
OneCity Connection will bring much-needed attention to volunteer opportunities that exist in Rochester, and will provide around-the-clock access to people interested in learning more about how they can give back.
“Our community’s greatest asset is our citizens,” said Mayor Robert J. Duffy. “My administration has witnessed thousands of friends and neighbors raise their hands to get involved in programs such as Clean Sweep and in departmental intiatives focused on youth services, anti-violence efforts, and neighborhood development. OneCity Connection represents a great leap forward in matching volunteers capacity with agencies, city departments, and community projects that make a real difference in the lives of those most in need of support.”
“There are many issues our community faces—volunteering, or the gift of time, makes a remarkable difference in tackling them,” said Peter Carpino, President of United Way of Greater Rochester. “For the last two decades, our Volunteer Connection has connected thousands of volunteers with projects in our region. Now, by adding an enhanced focus on opportunities in the City, we’re confident our impact will grow tremendously.”
The City of Rochester and United Way today also thanked the Ad Council of Rochester and Catalyst Direct for volunteering to create promotional ads to spread the word about OneCity Connection.
United Way’s Volunteer Connection—which will play a virtual role within the OneCity Connection web site—already links more than 200 volunteers a month with organizations and people in need across our community. Its annual Day of Caring brings thousands of volunteers out to perform needed work at nonprofit agencies. Over the past year, the City of Rochester’s Clean Sweep program has recruited more than 5,000 volunteers to help clean up and revitalize city neighborhoods, and thousands more help with other City projects.
To learn more about One City Connection and how you can get involved, visit www.onecityconnection.org.
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United Way’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs.