OREANDA-NEWS. Ford Thailand recently continued its CSR activities in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Ford Volunteer Corps. Volunteers built and renovated homes for two low-income families in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Thailand. More than 50 Ford employees volunteered to work together on the homes of Mr. Somnuk Roylert and of Mrs. Montian Roopmalao in Amphoe Klong Luang, Pathumthani Province. They mixed cement, built cement block walls and installed new floors. At the end of the event, the two houses were delivered to the two deserving families.

 Mr. Somnuk Roylert, a motorcycle mechanic, spoke about the hard times with his previous home: “Our old house was made of wood and roofed with decaying corrugated metal. When it rained heavily, the roof would leak, causing waterlogging inside the house. The backyard was full of snakes, centipedes and rats. We always wanted to repair our house, but did not have enough money. We finally decided to send a request to Habitat for Humanity Thailand and Ford readily extended a helping hand.” 

“We are thankful beyond words. This house is the best gift my family has ever received. We will no longer have to move from place to place,” added Mr. Somnuk. “I would like to express my gratitude to Ford Thailand, Habitat for Humanity Thailand and all the Ford volunteers who have given us a new life”. 

The second homeowner was Mrs. Montian Roopmalao, an office worker who lives with her three children, her elderly mother and a disabled brother. Mrs. Montian wished to renovate the porch, expand the side terrace and lay new floors, as the old ones were dilapidated and dangerous for her family members. Unfortunately, she had little savings and handled all expenses for her family members. Mrs. Montian heard about Habitat for Humanity Thailand from a friend and called for help.  

“A million thanks to Ford Thailand for offering a helping hand. This is the first real home of our lives and I no longer have to worry that my children may not have a proper house to live in,” said Mrs. Montian.  

“Serving communities has always been an important commitment for Ford. By providing special time-off for CSR activities, we encourage our employees to take part in volunteer opportunities,” said Onanong Pratakphiriya, communications director, Ford Thailand. “We believe that the volunteer spirit can have a powerful impact on society. We are proud that our contribution through this activity has helped deserving families, providing them with sanitary homes and improving their quality of life.”