Several times each year, MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers step away from the comfortable surroundings of their daily workplace and fan out into their local communities. Sometimes they swap their laptops for a shovel. Other times a paint brush or hammer replaces the computer keyboard. Creating a better world is hard work, but nothing worthwhile comes easy. The rewards are a smile and a thank you, and knowing deep down that you've helped someone in need.
The Ford Volunteer Corps is on the job year round, but on Ford Accelerated Action Days dozens of MODEL Teams and hundreds of Ford employee and retiree volunteers go to work on urgent community projects identified by our nonprofit agency partners.
Ford volunteers help women and children by renovating shelters and schools. They help feed the hungry by stocking shelves and serving meals at food banks. MODEL Teams tackle building projects in neighborhoods and support veterans with work that helps improve living conditions. Ford volunteers also help protect the environment by creating nature trails, revitalizing gardens and protecting water resources.
"Ford's legacy of caring goes back to the company's founding more than 100 years ago and it is gratifying to see this generation of employees embrace that history with their eyes on the future," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "We are One Ford in any language, and proud of our contributions to creating a better world."
Bill Ford created the Ford Volunteer Corps in 2005 to unify the company's goodwill and community service efforts. Each year more than 20,000 Ford employees and retirees participate as part of Ford Model Teams. The Ford Volunteer Corps has become the face of Ford in communities around the globe and throughout the year.
“Ford employees are dedicated to building vehicles that meet the needs of our customers, and they bring that same commitment and energy to helping people in the communities where they live and work," said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. "We are fortunate to have the resources and the people to make a world of difference."
