Ford Expands Volunteer Efforts to Help Build Stronger Communities on Accelerated Action Day

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 11, 2008 - More than 600 Ford employees and retirees in 17 states have organized into MODEL Teams of volunteers to concentrate on safety and shelter in their communities, working on urgent repair, renovation and beautification projects that have been named as top priorities by Ford's nonprofit partners. This is the first time that Ford's high-impact MODEL Teams concept is being expanded to projects across the U.S., and the first time that Ford retirees were able to participate.

"These are difficult times and our employees and retirees are stepping up and improving the lives of people who need our help the most," said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. "Our volunteers also benefit from the teamwork and morale boost that comes from reaching out and helping others."

This Accelerated Action Day comes during Ford's third annual Global Week of Caring, a worldwide effort that is making a positive impact from the America's to Asia and Africa. Nearly 8,000 Ford employees and retirees are working on 177 projects across six continents. They are building homes, repairing shelters, renovating schools and much more. In the U.S., 46 Accelerated Action Day activities are taking place in Chicago, Louisville and Dallas to name just a few places where Ford employees are pitching in to help.

"Ford has a long tradition of caring and contributing to making the world a better place," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Community service is one of our core values as a company and it is reflected in the dedication of our employees who are the face of Ford in cities, towns and neighborhoods across the country and around the world."

This is the third Accelerated Action Day in 2008. In March, we addressed Promises in Action and the needs of children. The second, in May, zeroed in on the environment and included Ford's annual Rouge River Cleanup in Southeast Michigan. In November, the year's fourth and final Accelerated Action Day will take place under the theme Giving and Sharing.

Ford Motor Company encourages salaried employees to take two work days per year and volunteer in their communities. Last year, more than 30,000 U.S.-based Ford employees volunteered their time to work on community projects.