What happens when you gather about 10,000 people and tackle more than 200 projects on six continents?  You get the eighth annual Ford Global Week of Caring and help to make a difference in communities all over the world.

The Ford Volunteer Corps comes out in full force from China to Australia and from Europe to Canada in mid-September to undertake a wide variety of projects.

“At Ford of Canada, we truly believe in supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “It’s really inspiring to see our Canadian employees come together, at the same time as other Ford employees all across the globe, to help make the world a better place.”

Helping kids be all they can be

Did you know that, according to The Conference Board of Canada, more than one in seven Canadian children live in poverty?

To be successful, independent adults, children need a good start in life and this includes positive school experiences. School supplies can be an expensive endeavor for any family, and it has been reported that Canadian families are spending an average of $428 on school supplies, clothes and gadgets.

Quite a few students in the Oakville, Ontario, area will be better prepared to learn after receiving pens, pencils, paper, books, crayons and other school supplies donated by the enthusiastic group at Oakville Assembly.  Each day of Global Week of Caring, as team members streamed into the plant on the way to their work stations, they paused to place much needed items into the donation bins scattered around the plant. The team also generously raised over $2,000, which was donated to Lighthouse, Community Youth Programs and Community Youth in Action Network.

Right next door to the plant, a little friendly competition helped inspire employees at Ford of Canada’s Headquarters (CHQ). Each floor was assigned a Ford C-MAX and challenged to fill it with backpacks, school supplies and healthy snacks – all in the name of charity. While competition was strong, in the end, those in the community who will benefit from the donations are the real winners, and that put a smile on everyone’s face.

Volunteers – the heart of community organizations

The eighth annual Ford Global Week of Caring

Every day volunteers make a lasting difference by contributing their time, expertise and talents. Volunteers lead social change around the world and they are the heart of community organizations.

In Windsor, Ontario, Ford Windsor Site employees supported a number of organizations including the Centre for Seniors, Youth and Family Resource Network, Salvation Army, Drouillard Place and United Way. These bighearted volunteers donated their time to assist with community gardens and outdoor work, spent time with seniors, offered client support, and also provided support to community events.

Camp Bosco in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield hosted a group of volunteers from the Ford Quebec Region office, located in Montreal, Quebec. Camp Bosco’s mission is to benefit the community through programs and services for youth and families that promote healthy living. The Ford Western Region team, located in Edmonton, Alberta, will also gather for an upcoming volunteering experience as a belated Global Week of Caring initiative.

“Ford employees tell us they’re thankful to work for a company that encourages and supports their desire to make a difference in their communities,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “It is gratifying to see how our Ford employees are eager to jump in, and the impact of their contributions.”