Whereas, Senior Companion Programs of Michigan invites adults age 60 and older to engage in challenging and meaningful volunteer opportunities; and,

Whereas, Volunteer service is a proven health promotion strategy for older adults; and,

Whereas, Michigan citizens benefit from 14 Senior Companion Programs that serve 47 Michigan counties; and,

Whereas, Senior Companion Programs partner with numerous nonprofit organizations to meet a variety of human and community needs, touching the lives of adults most in need; and,

Whereas, Statewide, there are on average 550 senior companion volunteers contributing 480,000 hours of service working throughout Michigan communities, making a positive impact in areas such as respite, companionship, long term care, poverty, health care, and safety; and,

Whereas, The significant service of senior companion volunteers has reinforced the strength and future of residents and communities of the great State of Michigan; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 1, 2005, as Senior Companion Volunteer Day in Michigan.