- Ford Global Week of Caring is a worldwide effort by the Ford Volunteer Corps to improve the lives of people in communities from North and South America to Europe and Asia.

- Thousands of Ford volunteers will tackle more than 175 projects from September 6-14 beginning with the Habitat for Humanity Detroit Blitz Build 2008.

- Nonprofit agency partners in the United States also will benefit from an Accelerated Action Day on September 11 focusing on urgent building projects in their local communities.

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Thousands of Ford Motor Company employees joined arms today to volunteer at projects on six continents for the third annual Ford Global Week of Caring.

From September 6-14, Ford employee and retiree volunteers will pack up their skills and their hearts, and venture out into their local communities to build homes, renovate shelters and feed the hungry. More than 8,000 volunteers will work on more than 175 projects in local communities around the world, totaling more than 24,000 man hours in community service.

This extraordinary effort is part of Ford's continuing commitment to give back and make a positive difference in people's lives. During Global Week of Caring, Ford volunteers will repair an orphanage in Mexico, construct houses in a village in the Philippines, perform needed maintenance at a children's home and school in South Africa, and paint and decorate a center for orphans in Vietnam.

'Our employees and retirees continue to answer the call and help with energy and enthusiasm,' said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. 'These are challenging times for community service organizations and Ford is dedicated to using its volunteer muscle to do some of the heavy lifting needed to make the world a better place.'

About 40 Ford volunteers kick off the week today by building Habitat for Humanity homes in a 'Blitz Build' on Detroit's east side.

This year, as part of Global Week of Caring, nonprofit agencies in the United States also will benefit from a Ford Accelerated Action Day on Thursday, September 11. This will be the first time that volunteer efforts will be expanded and coordinated nationally. It also is the first time Ford retirees can participate side by side with active employees on volunteer projects.