Campus News
November 16, 2011
A record-breaking day of service for Emory Cares
The 2011 Emory Cares International Service Day on Nov. 12 saw record numbers of alumni, student, staff and faculty volunteers, projects and cities. According to the Emory Alumni Association and Volunteer Emory:
• 1,660 volunteers served in
• 81 projects in
• 40 cities and
• 6 countries.
• 730 volunteers participated in Emory Cares around the world through the Emory Alumni Association, while
• 930 volunteers served through Volunteer Emory.
• 2, 925 volunteer hours were contributed to the city of Atlanta.
• 300 pizzas were ordered for the opening ceremony on McDonough Field, and
• 40 leftover pizzas were delivered to the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless shelter.
"This year's event was particularly successful because of the increased collaboration and partnerships both within Emory and within the greater Atlanta community," says Volunteer Emory's Mark Torrez, assistant director for community engagement with the Office for Student Leadership and Service. "Emory Cares Day is a symbol of this institution's commitment to advocating justice in both local and global communities through its ongoing service."
While the day of service went smoothly overall, one group of volunteers encountered an obstacle. The chartered Emory bus that was transporting 13 student passengers to an Emory Cares volunteer service project in Sweetwater Creek State Park caught fire on Interstate 20. All of the students and the driver were able to exit the bus safely with no injuries. When a replacement bus arrived, the majority of students opted to continue on to their service project at Sweetwater Creek.
"We're grateful for the safety and well-being of our students, and the support provided by Emory Campus Life officials, and Atlanta fire and police officials during this incident," says Adele Clements, director of Transportation & Parking Services.
Emory Cares projects hosted by alumni in cities around the world continue throughout the month.
