GOVERNOR CRIST NAMES DR. OSWALD SAAVEDRA OF ORLANDO AS POINT OF LIGHT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE/ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MONTH
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Governor Crist Names Dr. Oswald Saavedra of Orlando as Point of Light for Climate Change/Environmental Awareness Month
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Dr. Oswald Saavedra of Orlando as this week’s Point of Light in honor of Climate Change/Environmental Awareness Month.
“Dr. Saavedra’s commitment to creating sustainable programs that empower individuals of all races, socioeconomic classes and nations will benefit future generations of people in Florida and beyond,” said Governor Crist. “His extraordinary contributions are an example of what people can do when they are passionate about helping others.”
Following a lifetime of contributions to his community and environment, Dr. Saavedra has spent the last two years working with the EarthWeb Foundation. Through the foundation, he has helped bring greater attention to health, environmental and educational initiatives in the Orlando area. His efforts with the foundation include coordinating yearly Earth Day and fundraising events to improve educational resources at Ivey Lane Elementary School and the New Beginnings Education Complex. He has also helped coordinate canoe trips to clean up lakes, plant trees and restore the fragile and protected arboretum at the University of Central Florida.
In addition to serving his community’s environmental needs, Dr. Saavedra has also helped provide scholarships and educational and housing assistance to women in need. He has additionally provided Christmas for the children at Great Oaks Village and the Central Florida Children’s Home, shelters for children in Orange County. Through the EarthWeb Foundation, Dr Saavedra has also contributed to international communities. The EarthWeb Foundation has helped build schools in Africa, medical clinics in Honduras and an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. The foundation has also partnered with Rotary International to help 300,000 children receive polio immunizations.
AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.