UFC Fighter Michael “MayDay” McDonald to Work as Goodwill Donation Ambassador on Tuesday, July 3 McDonald to highlight Goodwill’s Impact on Local Veterans
UFC Fighter Michael “MayDay” McDonald will work side-by-side with a local veteran hired by Goodwill of Southern Nevada as a donation ambassador on Tuesday, July 3, from 11am to noon, at the Drive-Thru Donation Center at the Goodwill Store at 9385 W. Flamingo (Flamingo and Fort Apache).
Anyone who donates “gently used” items to Goodwill at the Flamingo and Fort Apache Goodwill Drive-Thru Donation Center when McDonald is collecting donations will receive a special gift, courtesy of the popular 21-year old mixed martial artist.
“As an advocate for those who fight for our freedom and others’ freedom, I strongly support Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s efforts when it comes to helping veterans find jobs. I am honored to help in any way I can,” said McDonald.
The unemployment rate for recently discharged veterans is nearly three times the national average as many veterans face a variety of employment challenges, ranging from physical injury to psychological distress to employers being hesitant to hire those who are active or in the reserves for fear they may be deployed for long periods of time.
Goodwill of Southern Nevada not only hires local veterans, but through its two Career Connections Centers, also provides free one-on-one assistance, workshops and seminars that address specific needs veterans and their families face.
“As more soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, we are seeing an increased need for services that help transition soldiers from military to civilian life,” said Elizabeth McDaniels, who oversees Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s Career Connections Centers. “Sometimes those services are for the veterans. And sometimes, we need to work with potential employers to help them see how military experience can translate into valuable civilian job skills.”
The sale of donated “gently used” goods in Goodwill retail stores helps fund all of Goodwill’s job placement and training programs. Every donation made and dollar raised stays in Southern Nevada to benefit the Southern Nevada community.
After working as a donation ambassador, McDonald will sign autographs in the adjoining Goodwill Retail Store from noon to 1pm.
More about Michael “MayDay” McDonald: Michael “MayDay” McDonald is a mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). McDonald started training in kickboxing at the age of ten, turned to mixed martial arts at 14, and turned professional at 16 years in 2007. He is the second youngest fighter in the UFC. Michael “Mayday” McDonald’s mixed martial arts record currently stands at 15 wins, 10 by Knock-out (KO), 5 by submissions and decisions and 1 loss. He has two brothers who have careers in mixed martial arts. On April 21, 2012 Michael McDonald fought Miguel Torres at UFC 145 and won the by first round KO. His next fight is in September 2012. Due to his superb MMA performance he has a growing number of endorsements and sponsorships with prominent brands. Michael “Mayday” McDonalds is from Modesto, CA. He enjoys making furniture during his spare time.
Website: http://maydaymcdonald.com/
More about Goodwill of Southern Nevada: Goodwill of Southern Nevada changes lives and the planet by turning donations of “gently used” goods into jobs for people in our community and giving those donated items new life. In 2011, Goodwill helped more than 1,250 people in Southern Nevada find jobs through its Career Connections program and provided job placement and training services to more than 8,000 individuals. Last year, Goodwill also kept more than 14 million pounds of recyclables and donated goods out of local landfills.
Website: www.sngoodwill.org
Twitter: @MayDayMcDonald, @SNGoodwill