Earth Day + National Volunteer week - New Game encourages volunteerism

Save the Park, a game developed by Games for Change, a New York nonprofit, and funded through a $250,000 grant from American Express lets players take on volunteer personas and then complete park-essential tasks like planting trees, securing food from bears, and picking up trash.

There are four roles to play: Mei (who lives in California and already volunteers), Ben (an military vet who does animal protection), Luna (a 19-year-old college student who's favorite hobby is salsa dancing) and Andre (a graphic designer who volunteers with his communication skills). There are three environments (forest, desert, and coastline), and the goal is acquire points by completing tasks or gathering up Easter eggs. That lets you get to the next level. Then they suggest  'Now do this in the real world.' The American Express Foundation is offering to donate $1 to the National Parks Foundation for each download before the end of the year, up to a value of $50,000. Get your copy here.

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