DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company employees and retirees around the world are volunteering their time and talents during the week of Sept. 3-11 to make a positive impact in the communities where they work, live and play. More than 8,200 people have committed to participate in volunteering their time.
The second annual "Ford Global Week of Caring" enlists Ford employees and retirees on six continents to volunteer in a wide range of activities, from creating gardens at a facility for mentally challenged people in Spain to building Habitat for Humanity homes in the U.S.
Ford volunteers also will rehab camp sites in Yosemite National Park, work with Special Olympic athletes in Orlando, Fla., and create care-packages for American soldiers with USO Cares in Washington, D.C. In addition, the effort includes fund raising walks, food and clothing drives and medical screenings.
"Despite the difficult challenges we face today, the business case for community service is stronger than ever," said Ford Motor Company President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally. "Volunteering helps us strengthen our corporate brand, build high performance teams and attract employees, customers and investors. It is the right thing to do, for ourselves, our communities and our business."
Employees and retirees who participate during "Ford Global Week of Caring," are being asked to send photographs and videos of their volunteer activities to the Ford Volunteer Corps for posting online at www.fordglobalweekofcaring.com.
During last year's effort, 2,802 employees donated 16,702 volunteer hours. Among the many projects, Ford volunteers built 27 homes, raised nearly $600,000 and collected clothes, toys, computers and books that were donated to charitable causes.
Robert Wade, a Ford mechanical engineer who designs engine systems, was part of a 15-person team who volunteered time last fall to rehab Promise Village -- a home for neglected and abused children in Davisburg, Mich. "It was great to spend time with co-workers, pulling together to make a difference at the facility. We were all reminded how fortunate we are. Helping at the Village was a rewarding and memorable experience."
This year a variety of projects are planned, including cleaning up national parks, assembling care packages for U.S. troops, working at soup kitchens, caring for gardens at zoos and collecting school supplies. The Canadian Auto Workers union is joining with Ford of Canada in a pledge to fill a Ford Edge crossover, which is made in Ontario, with food for area shelters every day.
For information on Global Week of Caring visit www.volunteer.ford.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.