Graham Hoare, Executive Director Powertrain Engineering, (left) presents the award to Alan Flower ,Supervisor PCM integration, (right) on behalf of the team who are in the background.

The weather was definitely not made to order for a project like one conceived within Ford of Europe. But that didn't stop more than 60 people from Powertrain Control Systems Engineering at Ford Dunton from showing up at Pitsea Junior School to beautify and enhance the students' learning environment.

The project was the focus of this year's Community Action Day, an annual department wide event open to all employees, contractors, externally purchased staff and supplier resident engineers.

Phil West, Diagnostic Integration Supervisor, said participants

• turned a scrub area into an outdoor classroom and garden
• mounted science information boards around the grounds
• built a gazebo area
• placed bird boxes, bird tables and bat boxes on the site
• designed and installed a mosaic of the school's emblem at the main entrance

While the day ran from early morning until late evening, West said that was only part of the effort. "A number of team leaders put in a large number of hours prior to the event planning, designing and preparing as well as attending regular meetings with school officials."

West said the project was such a success the school held a formal opening ceremony, attended by the group from PCSE and covered in the local media. He called it a great team building exercise that also benefited others. "The event itself made a real difference to our local community and raised the profile of the company within the community."

During an interview with the Basildon Echo, a local newspaper, science teacher Richard Hadley said they intend to use the area for science work and the arts, among other subjects, as well as to give the students a quiet place to read. He said they are pleased with the chance to have an outdoor classroom, to make the school experience different and exciting for the children.

Alan Flower, a Ford supervisor at Puma Diesel Control Systems and PCM Installation, Powertrain Control System Engineering, said it was a fantastic day for the volunteers and a lot of fun, but they also appreciated having an opportunity to assist a school at which some of the employees have links.

Hourly and salaried Ford employees and retirees across the globe are candidates to receive the global Volunteer of the Month award. The award recognizes the efforts of individuals and groups who go to extraordinary lengths to help improve the lives of others and make the world a better place.