The earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria triggered a great willingness to help among the Ford workforce. Employees from the Cologne, Saarlouis and Aachen locations brought together four truckloads with around 100 tons of relief supplies. The employees collected donations in kind such as heaters, warm blankets, tents, baby food, clothing, hygiene items and children’s toys and take care of the transport to the earthquake areas. The convoy is scheduled to leave for the Ford Otosan joint venture in Kocaeli, Turkey, on Wednesday. From there, the distribution of donations in kind is coordinated by local aid organizations.
The Turkish Resource Group (TRG), a network of Ford employees of Turkish origin, played an important role in coordinating the aid. She also procured 113 radiant heaters from a wholesaler. In addition, employees of the car manufacturer also organized private help.
The fundraiser was part of the Ford Community Involvement program. With this initiative, the company supports charitable projects and encourages its employees to do voluntary work. Each employee can take up to two full-time work days per year on volunteer work.
Ford drivers also picked up cots, pillows and sleeping bags in the 500
near Lyon provided by the supplier Trigano. Expansion partner Westfalia also took part in the fundraiser.
In addition, the charitable foundation Ford Fund has called on employees worldwide to donate money for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. So far, almost 100,000 US dollars (approx. 937,000 euros) have been raised. This sum increased the foundation, which works with international trustee Global Giving, by a further US$100,000 and donated an additional US$200,000 to purchase tents and essential support equipment for those affected in the earthquake-affected areas. (awm)