WHAT:

Hundreds of Ford volunteers in 17 states will focus on community building during the next Accelerated Action Day. Ford volunteers will gather in dozens of MODEL Teams to tackle 46 projects geared toward safety and shelter in their local communities.

WHEN:

Thursday, September 11 - 9am - 4pm

WHERE:

MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers will work at 31 sites in SE Michigan.
(Note: Please call for information on sites outside of S.E. Michigan.)

Marty Mulloy, vice president, Ford Motor Company Labor Affairs will be available for interviews at:

9am - Vista Maria, 20651 West Warren Avenue, Dearborn Heights
Project: painting hallways, recreation and storage areas

Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services will be on site and available for interviews at the following locations:

11am - Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner Avenue, Suite 2210, Detroit
Project: fixing up courtyard

12:30pm - Children’s Home, 900 Cook Road, Grosse Pointe Woods
Project: Ford volunteers will create a “Field of Dreams” baseball diamond

SUMMARY:

This is the third of four Accelerated Action Days planned for 2008 to maximize the positive impact of the Ford Volunteer Corps. It is the first time an Accelerated Action Day has been expanded to include communities outside Southeast Michigan. Also, this is the first time Ford retirees can participate arm-in-arm with active Ford employees.

The Ford Volunteer Corps also provides grants in some cases to buy tools and materials for employee and retiree volunteers to get the job done.    

This Accelerated Action Day is part of Ford’s annual Global Week of Caring. Nearly 8,000 Ford volunteers are participating in 177 projects on six continents around the world.