UAW Ford Community: Making A Difference
For members of the UAW Ford, going to work isn't just about collecting a paycheck for building world-class trucks and cars. It's also about making a difference in the community.
Here's a round-up of some of the ways UAW Ford has contributed recently to making the world a better place.
Pinewood Derby
The UAW Ford partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to create a Pinewood Derby workshop at the UAW Ford Technical Training Center in Lincoln Park. UAW volunteers worked with more than 100 Cub Scouts, 8-12 years old, to show them how to use machining tools, measure wood, work with weight and wheels, paint, and harness their own creativity. Scouts designed their own derby rides and UAW Ford provided the materials to give the kids a sense of pride and accomplishment.
They're tomorrow's engineers getting a jump start today with the help of dedicated employees.
Veterans Retreat Center
Every day, an estimated 22 veterans commit suicide; about 30 percent of Vietnam War veterans have had post-traumatic stress disorder; about 12 percent of Gulf War veterans, while 11-20 percent of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD.
Enter Active Heroes.
The nonprofit is building a Military Family Retreat Center in Shepherdsville, Ky., where veterans and their families can stay for free to heal from the invisible wounds of war.
The 147 acre property will include 17 cabins, a welcome center equine area, archery station, walking trails, a lake, playground, and many clearings for people to find peace and solace.
During construction, the UAW Ford is there every step of the way. The first cabin was built by a UAW-Ford crew, as will the second, third and so forth -- all at no cost to the veterans' organization UAW-Ford also presented a $100,000 check to the organization and pledged to raise even more.
Down Syndrome Facility
Hard-working UAW-Ford volunteers, tradespeople, business owners and families affected by Down syndrome got together to create the 5,000 square foot Milestone Therapy Building in Highland, Ind.
It features a modern kitchen, a library with audio books and DVDs, a colorful arts and crafts room where kids can create and display their works of art, a tutoring room for one-on-one instruction and an arcade space with board and video games, air hockey and foosball.
In addition to sweat equity, the UAW donated drywall and 55 bucket of paint and primer and other construction materials.
Fighting Cancer
The UAW National Ford Department sponsored the Hockey Fights Cancer Youth Tournament in metro Detroit. More than 150 teams from across the U.S., Canada and Europe participated in the three-day event that raised money for the American Cancer Society.
In addition to sponsoring the youth hockey tournament, UAW-Ford put together a hockey team consisting of workers from Detroit-area plants.
Purple Heart Run
If you are driving around and spot what looks like a tricked-out purple and gold Ford F-150, your eyes are not deceiving you. A specially modified truck is being driven around the country by Cpl. Tyler Huffman and Joe Tidwell, who stopped by the Dearborn Truck Plant to show off their specially commissioned ride. The two are raising money and bringing awareness to the 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients who have transitioned back to civilian life.
Organizers believe that given the right vehicle for mobility, a combat-wounded veteran will have the freedom to live a productive life. For more information on the Purple Heart Run or to make a donation, go to purpleheart.org and wwfs.org.
