SAN FRANCISCO, April 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Discovery Communications, a purpose-driven company built on satisfying curiosity, entertaining and inspiring global audiences, is extending its partnership with VolunteerMatch, the web's largest volunteer engagement network, as a national media partner to raise awareness and drive volunteerism. Coinciding with the 42nd National Volunteer Week (April 10-16), the partnership kicks off with a national Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign. The PSA begins airing this week across all of Discovery's 13 U.S. networks. To learn more, visit discovery.com/volunteermatch.
Launching this week, Discovery has created the new PSA to encourage viewers to give back to their local communities through volunteerism. By leveraging the power and reach of its networks, the company will market VolunteerMatch to increase awareness in volunteerism to its passionate viewers. VolunteerMatch technology will be integrated into Discovery Communications' digital platforms to make it easier for viewers to find volunteer opportunities in their communities. Additionally, DCI's network of other nonprofit partners will now be connected with VolunteerMatch to extend their reach to potential volunteers.
As a volunteer management platform service provider, VolunteerMatch has been an important tool in supporting Discovery Communications' purpose-driven culture. VolunteerMatch works to bring "good people & good causes together" by matching individuals with a non-profit in need of skills.
"We are inspired by the Discovery team's extraordinary commitment to help us share the promise of every volunteer finding their special opportunity to make a difference," says Greg Baldwin, VolunteerMatch President.
"Our deepening partnership with VolunteerMatch and commitment to encourage viewers to make a greater impact builds off Discovery Communications' 30-year heritage as a purpose-driven company," adds David Leavy, Discovery Communications' Chief Corporate Operations and Communications Officer. "Volunteerism is in our DNA. Every year, thousands of our employees donate their time through a number of initiatives that give back to the communities where we live and work. We are proud to pair our passionate fans with VolunteerMatch's vast network of worthy causes and projects to promote volunteerism nationwide."
Discovery Communications is dedicated to giving back in the communities where employees live and work. In 2015, the company's employees volunteered 30,000 hours across the globe through the company's annual day of global volunteerism, "Discover Your Impact Day." Discovery's other major initiatives include making prom possible for deserving teen girls and boys through "Say Yes to the Prom," and igniting a global campaign about the plight of endangered species through RACING EXTINCTION and its accompanying call-to-action #StartWith1Thing.
About VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch believes everyone should have the chance to make a difference. As the web's largest volunteer engagement network, serving 100,000 participating nonprofits, 150 network partners and 13 million annual visitors, VolunteerMatch offers unique, award-winning solutions for individuals, nonprofits and companies to make this vision a reality. Since its launch in 1998, VolunteerMatch has helped the social sector attract more than $8.5 billion worth of volunteer services. Learn more about VolunteerMatch at www.volunteermatch.org.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the leader in global entertainment reaching 3 billion cumulative viewers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery satisfies curiosity, entertains and inspires viewers with high-quality content through global brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet, Science and Turbo/Velocity, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and through the Discovery Digital Networks portfolio, including Seeker and SourceFed. Discovery owns Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
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