- Ford previews its signature safety programs in the Phoenix area
- Ford partners with the Governors Highway Safety Association to help save teen lives
- Ford kicks off Operation Goodwill in Phoenix, which will more than double the amount the company philanthropy in Arizona
Chandler, Arizona, May 7, 2008 - Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety Association have teamed up to help keep teens and families safe on Arizona roads and highways.
The number one killer of teens across America is driving fatalities. A top priority for Ford is automotive-related safety, and the company is honing in on Arizona as a locale to tackle auto safety issues.
On Wednesday, May 7, at the Firebird International Raceway, the company will demonstrate for Phoenix community leaders several of its unique auto safety programs that will be coming to Arizona this year. Featured will be Ford’s award winning “Driving Skills for Life” teen safe driving program; Corazon de mi vida, a child safety seat initiative focused primarily on the Hispanic community; and Car Care Clinics, designed to educate young women about critical safety issues and automotive needs. State officials will be on hand to talk about the new Graduated Driver's License laws being initiated in Arizona.
"We're bringing a sample of our signature safety programs to the Phoenix community as we kick off of our philanthropic campaign, Operation Goodwill - which will pump more than $1 million dollars into the state in 2008," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Operation Goodwill is an initiative we’re launching in specific areas of the country, such as Arizona, to help us better tailor our philanthropic efforts to community needs. In addition to our safety programs, the company is increasing the amount of money available to support programs and nonprofits important to this community, and partnering with our local dealers to determine how we can best utilize the funds to have the greatest impact."
More than 1,000 Arizona teens are expected to participate in three Driving Skills for Life sessions this year. The company also is working closely with the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety in support of Arizona's launch of new graduated licensing laws.
"We are grateful to Ford for their support, and believe through this partnership we can reduce the number of teen deaths that result for auto accidents," said Michael Hegarty, deputy director, Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
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 does business. Established in 1949 and made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, 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, salaried employees, union members, retirees and their families 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.ford.com.