PITTSFIELD, Mass./ USA -- May 9, 2007
Campers from the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield will enjoy a new playground and refurbished facilities at Camp Russell this summer, thanks to the efforts of GE Plastics' employees and a corporate donation of $50,000. The volunteer effort is part of GE's fourth annual Global Community Days, aimed at improving communities where GE employees live and work. On May 11, approximately 50 volunteers from GE Plastics will install two play structures for children ages 2-12, as well as repair and paint cabins and perform general landscaping and trail work.
Camp Russell serves approximately 230 children per week across Berkshire County. The summer programs include recreational therapy for children with special needs, basketball camp and adventure camp.
"The Camp Russell project is a great example of a non-profit organization seeking to improve its services and take ownership of the improvements for the long term," said Dennis Arseneau, facilities manager of GE Plastics and GE Volunteers project leader. "We have worked closely with the Boys and Girls Club in the past, and we're really looking forward to rolling up our sleeves for this major volunteer project. The new playground and improved facilities will help campers have a wonderful outdoor experience for years to come."
Lisa Benoit, programs leader at the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield, said, "We are thrilled to have been chosen by GE Plastics for their Global Community Days project. Camp Russell fills an important need for area children who otherwise would not be able to experience summer camp. Now, with a great new play area and many other improvements, our campers will have an even more enjoyable time."
GE Plastics employees are deeply involved in community volunteerism throughout Berkshire County, focusing on education and community development. Examples include a mentoring program at Pittsfield High School, a literacy program at Pittsfield elementary schools, and support for Junior Achievement.
This event is one of the many efforts taking place as part of GE's fourth annual Global Community Days happening between May and July. An anticipated 20,000 GE employees and retirees from around the world will participate in service projects that cover a variety of local issues including education, community development and the environment. Crossing six continents and all GE businesses, hundreds of community service projects will serve tens of thousands of people in need.
GE Volunteers -- made up of GE employees and retirees -- improve the communities in which they live and work by donating their time and money in community-based projects. Today there are more than 140 GE Volunteer Councils located in over 37 countries around the world. Each is responsible for mobilizing volunteers to address the serious issues facing their communities today.
Organizations interested in applying for volunteer assistance from GE Plastics are invited to submit a proposal to Michael Pilliod at [email protected].
* LNP and Lexan are trademarks of General Electric Company
For more information contact:
GE Media Contacts
The Americas
Christine Hartter
GE Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel: +1-413-448-4716
E-Mail: [email protected]
Agency Media Contacts
The Americas
Jim Allison
AH&M Marketing Communications,
Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel: +1-413-448-2260, Ext. 25
E-Mail: [email protected]