DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thousands of Ford Motor Company employees joined arms today to volunteer at projects on six continents for the third annual Ford Global Week of Caring.
From September 6-14, Ford employee and retiree volunteers will pack up their skills and their hearts, and venture out into their local communities to build homes, renovate shelters and feed the hungry. More than 8,000 volunteers will work on more than 175 projects in local communities around the world, totaling more than 24,000 man hours in community service.
This extraordinary effort is part of Ford's continuing commitment to give back and make a positive difference in people's lives. During Global Week of Caring, Ford volunteers will repair an orphanage in Mexico, construct houses in a village in the Philippines, perform needed maintenance at a children's home and school in South Africa, and paint and decorate a center for orphans in Vietnam.
"Our employees and retirees continue to answer the call and help with energy and enthusiasm," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "These are challenging times for community service organizations and Ford is dedicated to using its volunteer muscle to do some of the heavy lifting needed to make the world a better place."
About 40 Ford volunteers kick off the week today by building Habitat for Humanity homes in a "Blitz Build" on Detroit's east side.
This year, as part of Global Week of Caring, nonprofit agencies in the United States also will benefit from a Ford Accelerated Action Day on Thursday, September 11. This will be the first time that volunteer efforts will be expanded and coordinated nationally. It also is the first time Ford retirees can participate side by side with active employees on volunteer projects. Community Building is the theme of this concentrated one-day offensive to ease the most pressing shelter and safety projects and help our nonprofit partners better serve people in need.
"This is important, inspiring work that improves people's lives," said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. "Our volunteers are the face of Ford for people across the country and around the world. We are building great cars and trucks, and we also are helping build better communities."
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford operates. Established in 1949 and made possible by funding from Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford's legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, Ford employees and retirees participate in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit www.community.ford.com .
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit our website at www.ford.com .