Southwest Airlines Celebrates 40 Years with 40 Conservation Projects Nationwide

3BL Media / theCSRfeed - 21 Juni 2011- In celebration of its 40^th Anniversary, Southwest Airlines is joining with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for the Conservation In Action Tour: 40 Projects for 40 Years to take their commitment to volunteerism and their passion for conservation on the road, literally!
Students from the SCA will travel from coast to coast in a custom-designed Southwest Airlines biodiesel RV.  During the summer-long tour, the RV will stop in 25 cities, joining Southwest Employees and community members in conservation projects across the country.

“This is the perfect way to celebrate our 40^th Anniversary,” said Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.  “Volunteering and giving back is something that our People do year round.  It’s our way of saying thank you to the communities that have given so much to us!”

SCA is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals aged 15-25 with hands-on conservation service opportunities.  Their members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in all 50 states.

“SCA is proud to join Southwest Airlines in spreading the word and the practice of hands-on conservation,” said SCA President Dale M. Penny.  “These projects will generate immediate benefits to the communities we visit, and in the long-term they will promote ongoing stewardship and sustainability.  That’s a real win-win for all.”

Contributing sponsors for the tour, American Eagle Outfitters, Sony Corporation, and The Coca-Cola Company, join Southwest Airlines to help SCA build the next generation of conservation leaders and its quest to protect and restore America’s parks, forests, and urban green spaces.