Accelerated Action Days

Ford MODEL Teams Go Green on Accelerated Action Day
Next up - Community Building - September 11

(DEARBORN, May 15, 2009) - The Ford Volunteer Corps put sustainability to work in the community on the latest Accelerated Action Day, but the power behind this project was not a Ford EcoBoost engine. It was the power of Ford employee and retiree volunteers working side-by-side to help feed the hungry and nourish the spirits of people in need.

More than 600 Ford volunteers got their hands dirty tackling 40 high-impact outdoor projects selected by our agency partners. The volunteers planted flowers and shrubs, built a rain garden and constructed a wheelchair accessible garden for children. On the agenda for many Ford MODEL Teams was planting an urban garden to provide sustainable sources of food for people utilizing area shelters and care centers. One project was at the Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS) in Detroit where 40 Ford volunteers hammered together frames for individual garden beds while others shoveled in dirt and planted vegetables. The tomatoes, cucumbers and greens will be a big help to COTS, as it prepares 400-600 meals a day.

“It’s a lot of work. We could not have done this without Ford,” said Robyn Smith, director, Community Relations and Events, COTS. “This is very important. We need to have the corporate world involved with the community. We’re going to have vegetables to feed people here at the shelter.”

“It’s a great cause,” said Angela Biger, Ford volunteer, Brownstown Parts Redistribution Center. “This is going to be wonderful. The garden will produce all summer long.”

COTS was one of eleven agencies that received Ford mini-grants of up to $5,000 to buy the tools, supplies and plants needed to complete their projects. Among the other organizations taking part were: Arbor Hospice, Center for Exceptional Families, Detroit Rescue Mission, Liberty Hill Housing Corporation and Starfish Family Services, just to name a few.

“Caring Ford volunteers provide a valuable service to people in our local communities,” said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “We are not just planting in the ground, we are planting the seeds to develop new relationships and identify additional ways to help people.”

The Ford Volunteer Corps is all about community service and helping create a better world. The MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers that venture out into our towns and neighborhoods are good for the agencies and the people they serve, and good for the volunteers who know they are making a positive difference in people’s lives. MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers also are good for business. They put Ford Motor Company in a positive light with customers, investors and community leaders. The Ford Volunteer Corps also helps promote teamwork among employees who work together in a whole new environment.

“We forget about work and learn more about each other,” said Steve Levine, Ford volunteer, Program Purchasing. “This jumped out at me as such a worthwhile project. It feels great.”

The next Accelerated Action Day is September 11 and volunteers will focus on safety and shelter under the theme Community Building. That event will be part of Ford Global Week of Caring that runs from September 5-12.