City’s Ford employees retain crown as global firm’s most generous
‘Windsor by far has the most per capita giving in this company,’ says North American director
Windsor’s 1,800 employees retained their title as Ford Motor Company’s most generous by raising $539,032 in their annual United Way drive.
Ford employees and management gathered at the Essex Engine Plant Friday for the announcement.
“It’s the first time I’ve got a frontrow seat to see their generosity shown to this community,” said Mike Felix, Ford’s North American powertrain director.
“Windsor by far has the most per capita giving in this company. You make the company and the community very proud.”
This year’s total is roughly the same as a year ago. The total also includes $25,000 in donations from Ford retirees.
“With our membership, whether it’s a gate collection, a drive for the Cancer Society or helping one of our members, they always step forward,” said Kevin Bell, Essex Engine Plant chairperson. “It’s a very generous membership.”
United Way’s vice-president of finance and operations, Andy Bothamley, said the generous donations of autoworkers have been the backbone of the organization’s fundraising campaigns for decades.
It’s allowed the United Way to launch new programs, such as its attack on child poverty, as well as STEM and after-school programs or food security for families.
“We know Ford and Unifor workers not only build great product, they build great communities,” Bothamley said.
Local Ford workers have contributed more than $50 million in the seven decades they’ve partnered with the United Way.