Ford Volunteers Making a World of Difference During the 4th Annual Global Week of Caring

AUSTRALIA, MELBOURNE - September 10, 2009: Thousands of Ford Motor Company volunteers are reaching out and pitching in to create a better world by participating in community service projects on six continents during the fourth annual Ford Global Week of Caring - Sept. 5-12.

More than 8,000 Ford employee and retiree volunteers are on the job in nearly 200 locations from North and South America to Europe, Africa and Asia. Their work includes renovating shelters, repairing schools and feeding the hungry. The volunteers are the face of Ford in their local towns and villages where they will contribute a projected 30,000 man-hours of labor to helping those in need. During Ford Global Week of Caring, the company’s volunteer muscle is making a positive improvement -- a world of difference -- in nearly three dozen countries, from Aruba to the Czech Republic to Vietnam.

“Ford employees and retirees are embracing their role as citizens of the global community and sharing their time and energy to make the world a better place,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We are fortunate to have the resources and dedicated volunteers who can make a real difference on a global scale. It is very gratifying work, especially during these difficult times.”

AUSTRALIA, This year, as part of Global Week of Caring, Ford Australia employees are supporting three projects. "Ford Australia is absolutely committed to supporting the Week of Global Caring initiative. Volunteering is a rewarding experience which enables employees to make a difference at a real grass roots level," said Marin Burela, President and CEO Ford Australia.

Ford continues to support relief efforts for Victorian bushfires survivors with three volunteer teams assisting Blaze Aid by heading to affected areas to rebuild fences lost during Black Saturday.

CERES Organic Farm and Environmental Park, located in Brunswick, is also hosting a Ford volunteer team during the week. The team will be planting, composting and working in the green house and market garden. CERES, the 2007 winner of the Premier's Sustainability Award, is situated in East Brunswick and is one of Australia's foremost environmental education centres offering a diverse range of community based projects, activities and programs.

For the second year running, Geelong employees will support their local community by joining Barwon Water in a tree planting project along the Barwon River. Employees from Ford's Geelong operations will be planting trees propogated by Barwon Water along the Barwon River. This planting helps to reduce erosion of the river bank and acts to encourage wildlife to the area.