MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 14, 1997 — Sidewalk
™, the city guide published by Microsoft Corp., now offers Community, a comprehensive online volunteer database with information about agencies, key volunteers and top opportunities. To celebrate the link with the volunteer centers, Twin Cities Sidewalk announces Community Day – Oct. 15, 1997, when users can help Sidewalk donate up to $25,000 worth of Microsoft® software to the Metro Area Volunteer Centers and their agencies.
On Sidewalk Community Day, Sidewalk will donate $10 in Microsoft software for every person who customizes its Community page, up to $25,000 in software. To customize, users need only visit the Community section on Sidewalk, provide their name and e-mail address, and enter what type of cause or issue interests them most. The goal of Sidewalk Community Day is to educate consumers on the Twin Cities’ vast volunteer opportunities and motivate them to take action.
For those who do not have access to the Internet, Sidewalk will have a Community booth today only, located in Minneapolis at Gaviidae Common’s Saks wing, street level, to allow them to try out the Community feature and select a cause by registering on the Sidewalk Web site.
At the end of Community Day, Sidewalk will tally the support for each cause or issue and award the software to the volunteer centers and top cause-related agencies. Complete details are available at (http://twincities.sidewalk.com/) .
The United Way Volunteer Center (Minneapolis), The Volunteer Center (St. Paul) and Community Volunteer Service (Stillwater) provided the data that Sidewalk compiled into Minnesota’s largest online database of volunteer opportunities – nearly 1,000 agencies offering more than 5,000 volunteer opportunities with descriptions of responsibilities and time commitment needed. Each volunteer center works to fill the volunteer needs of agencies in the metro area.
In addition to the extensive database, Sidewalk will offer information and articles spotlighting agencies in the Twin Cities, outstanding volunteers from the community, and the often overlooked opportunities for citizens to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.
“Our relationship with the Metro Area Volunteer Centers will enable people with Web access to find the volunteer opportunities that match their interests, strengths and availability,” said Catherine Stephan, Twin Cities Sidewalk community producer. “Users can find out more about the sponsoring agency and contact the volunteer coordinator directly, often via e-mail. Now, thousands of opportunities are literally at people’s fingertips.”
“Sidewalk is all about getting the most out of your city and your leisure time,” said Doug Henrich, Twin Cities Sidewalk general manager. “The Community offering on Sidewalk is a perfect way Microsoft not only can donate time and energy, but also can provide a unique solution to help our community help itself.”
Sidewalk is available free on the World Wide Web (connect-time charges may apply) at (http://sidewalk.com/) .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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