Last November, the Ford Volunteer Corps united Ford employees and retirees for a special Ford Accelerated Action Day dedicated to the needs of veterans and military families.
Ford volunteers showed their appreciation of and support for volunteer soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women who work each day to defend our country.
In southeast Michigan and Washington, D.C., MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers painted, made repairs and brightened the lives of people at veterans’ shelters. The veterans’ organizations that benefited from the volunteer efforts also received mini-grants of $5,000 each from Ford to buy supplies, tools and materials needed to complete their projects. These mini-grants were awarded to:
VA Hospital of Ann Arbor, Michigan: In observance of Veteran’s Day, Ford volunteers served meals to veterans and their families. Duffel bags were also given to veterans to carry their personal belongings.
VA Hospital of Detroit: Ford MODEL Teams served food during a daylong event marking Veteran’s Day. Volunteers also helped with in-house transportation of patients. Grant money was also used to purchase holiday decorations.
Fisher House, Washington, D.C.: Ford volunteers cleaned bedrooms, common areas and kitchens at this “home away from home” for wounded soldiers. They also packed lunches for veterans to take with them during medical appointments and off-site therapy.
Veterans Haven, Wayne, Michigan: Ford volunteers painted, installed new flooring and made bathroom repairs at the Haven’s group home and apartments. The residences are part of a transitional housing program that gives homeless veterans a safe place to stay while they rebuild their lives.
Gleaners Community Food Banks, Detroit: MODEL Teams of volunteers put together more than 500 food packs to distribute to needy veterans.
In a press release, Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, said, “Ford Motor Company has always been a strong supporter of America’s armed forces and the people who serve – and always will be. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our servicemen and women around the world and Ford volunteers believe their contribution is one small way to say thanks,” concluded Vella.
Over the years, Ford Motor Company has employed thousands of veterans, guaranteeing their jobs and supplementing military pay while they are on active duty in war zones. Ford has always had ties with the military, beginning in 1922, when Henry Ford began a relationship with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and it is still carrying on today. More recently, Ford has donated more than 130 vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network and contributes to DAV programs such as the Winter Sports Clinic and scholarships.
November’s Accelerated Action Day was the fourth one in 2009. In March, the Corps addressed the needs of children and families; the Corps focused on the environment in May. In September, Volunteer Corps performed community-building projects during Ford’s Global week of Caring. This past December, Ford Volunteers helped feed the hungry under the theme of Giving and Sharing.
The Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services was established in 1949 with a commitment to creating opportunities to promote corporate volunteerism, philanthropy, citizenship and cultural diversity for those who live in communities where Ford operates. The Fund supports initiatives and institutions that promote education, American heritage and legacy and auto-related safety.
Members of the Ford Volunteer Corps (Ford employees and retirees) participate in volunteer projects in their communities. The Ford Motor Company encourages its salaried employees to take two workdays per year to volunteer in their local communities. An impressive stat: In 2008, more than 20,000 Ford employees and retirees performed 100,000 hours of community service!
For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.
