On Thursday, September 6, 2012, The Standard’s Volunteer Expo returns to Pioneer Courthouse Square. Now in its fourth year, the Volunteer Expo is the largest event of its kind in Oregon. This special event in the heart of downtown Portland connects 125 regional nonprofit organizations with thousands of Portlanders eager to make a difference in their community.

Representatives from a wide range of community-based organizations will be on hand to showcase their volunteer and advocacy opportunities so that attendees can find service and donation opportunities that match their skills and interests – ranging from one-time projects to longer-term commitments. In order to support growing interest from the nonprofit sector, the community and The Standard’s 2,100 downtown employees, this event is free and open to the public.

“Hosting the Volunteer Expo four years in a row has been an incredible experience for The Standard and its employees, and based on the feedback from the nonprofit participants it makes a real difference in the community,” said Greg Ness, chairman, president and CEO of The Standard. “Nonprofits have an invaluable impact on the community and on the lives of others. Volunteers and donors allow under-funded organizations to provide programs and services that would otherwise have to be reduced or eliminated. The Volunteer Expo creates opportunities for involvement and support at every level.”

In partnership with New Avenues for Youth, Ben & Jerry’s PartnerShop Scoop Shop is offering a free scoop of ice cream to attendees who connect with five or more nonprofits at the Expo. Just grab a Connect Card at the event and collect stamps on it as you visit the nonprofit booths. Those who collect at least five stamps can redeem them for one free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!

The 2012 Volunteer Expo takes place Thursday, September 6, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Avenue. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

About The Standard

The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life, AD&D, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities and investment advice. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries: Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Mortgage Investors, Inc., StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., StanCorp Real Estate, LLC, and StanCorp Equities, Inc.