Topic: Auto News
A year ago the Ford Volunteer Corps was just an idea waiting to be put into action, but when tragedy struck December 26, 2004, the Corps quickly became a reality. Like people across the globe, Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford was horrified by the destruction of the tsunami, which killed approximately 275,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. The company had to do something. Bill Ford initiated the Corps to make it more convenient for employees and retirees across the globe to volunteer for projects in their communities. The first major project was working with Habitat for Humanity International to rebuild housing in areas hardest hit by the tsunami. "I am very proud of the way this company and its people responded to the tsunami crisis," said Bill Ford. "The creation of the Ford Volunteer Corps helped us institutionalize that spirit." With the help of Ford volunteers, at least two communities that were destroyed by the 2005 tsunami started to rebuild. With volunteers from Ford Thailand and Ford India taking the lead, the Corps began with the village of Khao Lak located in the Southwestern region of Thailand, and with a fishing village 100 km South of Chennai in India. Since March, Ford Motor Company has sent 25 volunteers a week to Khao Lak - these volunteers often travel as far as 14-hours away by bus from their residence in Bangkok and Rayong. To date, more than 400 volunteers have given more than 25,000 hours to this effort and will extend into the new year. In India, Ford partnered with the Confederation of Indian Industry to adopt the 255 families of Panaiyur Periya Kuppam. To date, Ford of India has donated 25 new boats and fishing nets to support 75 families, paid school fees for children, conducted a summer camp for children, organized a children's club and started an engine repair training program for youngsters in the community. "People care so deeply and want to make a difference," said Executive Director, Ford Volunteer Corps, Jim Bright. Their mission: "We work to make a living. We volunteer to make a life." Throughout the world, the Corps partners with community groups that provide volunteer opportunities to Ford employees. It is estimated that more than 100,000 employees and 100,000 retirees worldwide participate in volunteer efforts each year. Habitat for Humanity projects, part of the company's 16-hour community service program for salaried employees, is one of the most popular causes. "Employees who donated their time and talents to help tsunami and hurricane survivors tell us the experience changed their lives," said Bright. The volunteers were instrumental in providing shelter and housing for displaced families. "I can't even begin to list all of our initiatives that have helped this vital region in the Gulf Coast begin to recover," said Bill Ford. "But I can say this: of course we donated money. But at times like this, people know that Ford does more than just write a check." "Heart is something that cannot be measured, but it is something that can very much be appreciated," he added. Besides being good corporate citizens during tragedies, Ford volunteers make a difference each day in their own communities in many ways, ranging from cleaning parks and public lands to mentoring children and young adults. Volunteers throughout the world touch lives, uncover needs and bring people together. "I am reminded daily of the spirit and deep commitment of our volunteers," said Nancy McCauley-Branstetter, manager-Ford Volunteer Corps. "I hear stories every day about employees who serve their community, and who take their families on vacation overseas to build homes for people in need."
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Posted by masterserg
at 5:31 PM EST
The editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance know a thing or two about getting the most value for the money and according the magazine's 2006 Best Cars awards several Ford Motor Company vehicles offer customers the best value in the auto industry. The magazine divided 2006 model year vehicles into four categories: Best in Class, Best New Cars, First for Safety and Most Fuel Efficient. Within each category, the vehicles were sub divided into five different price ranges plus sports cars, SUVs, minivans and wagons. Best in Class honors...