Give a day to charity, get a day at Disney

There’s little enough gratitude to go around during the best of times, let alone when everyone’s being put upon by tough economic conditions. Following in the footsteps of hotel group Sage Hospitality, whose “Give a Day, Get a Night” program to reward volunteers we covered this summer, none other than Disney is gearing up to launch its own equivalent. Much like Sage’s effort, the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program aims to celebrate and inspire volunteerism. Specifically, Disney is working with HandsOn Network to highlight a variety of volunteer opportunities with participating organizations across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Starting Jan. 1, those who contribute their time need only have it verified by HandsOn; then, in exchange, they’ll get a voucher from Disney good for one day admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park. Says Disney, “We want to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service.” Since spending on travel and leisure activities is down, along with spending on pretty much everything else, it’s a smart move by Disney (and, for those of you outside the US, one that’s being heavily promoted through prime-time TV commercials). As laid out in our sister-site’s briefing on Generation G, share some love now, and you could win hearts forever. And of course there are immediate bottom-line benefits, too: the entrance tickets may be free, but those volunteering visitors will still be buying food, drinks and merchandise at Disney’s parks.