Helping out building communities is what Ford is doing for the past 12 years. Its Ford Global Caring Month, which celebrated annually every month of September, is a signature event of the Ford Volunteer Corps that build communities and make people’s lives better.

In the Philippines, Ford employee and dealer employee volunteers–known globally and collectively as the Ford Volunteer Corps–are among those taking part in community service initiatives in partnership with Gawad Kalinga to benefit over 1,400 individuals.

The programs include house painting in Cavite, building communal water facilities in Nueva Ecija and Batangas, and delivery of medical and dental services in Muntinlupa.

Josephine Gonzalez, AVP for Government and Corporate Affairs of Ford Philippines, said, “We’re proud to again participate in the Ford Global Caring Month with projects in various communities that will provide tangible benefits. Our Ford and dealer employee volunteers are excited to again lend a helping hand.”

Since its launch in 2005, Ford Volunteer Corps members have contributed more than one million hours of community service in 50 countries, representing more than $30 million of in-kind community investments.

During September, the Ford Volunteer Corps will tackle more than 600 projects with thousands of volunteers in six continents. In addition to the volunteer activities in the Philippines, Ford Global Caring Month projects include: Australia – Install water tanks at a camp for disadvantaged young people; Brazil – Help build a facility to care for unprivileged families and their children with cancer; Germany – Assist with preparations for a new refugee camp; Mexico – Renovate a treatment center for children with disabilities; Russia – Renovation and construction work at a senior citizens center and school; South Africa – Install pumps and water storage at schools, make building repair; and United Kingdom – Restore a children’s activity center, refurbish a shelter for the homeless.

Ford Fund is also contributing $600,000 in grants to purchase tools and supplies for many of the volunteer projects. Ford Volunteer Corps activities take place year round as part of a global network enlisting more than 30,000 Ford volunteer participants annually.