Bangkok--May 27--Ogilvy Public Relations
Ford Thailand today continues its commitment of Thailand’s environmental and social development at a grassroots-level by announcing the 24 conservation and environmental projects that have been selected as the the 5th annual Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants for 2004. Award monies totaling 2.8 million baht have been granted to those winning individuals and small non-profit organizations based on proposals they submitted in October of 2004.
Mr. John Felice, President of Ford Thailand, said, “For the past four years, Ford has given monetary support to more than 50 environmental and conservation projects throughout Thailand. The individuals and organizations that our Jury has selected have a measurable, positive impact on their communities and the environment because they work at a grassroots-level. It is highly important to Ford that the projects selected have a clear-cut recommendation for conserving the environment, preserving resources and a culture as rich as this one.”.
“Ford Thailand is very proud to have played a part in pushing these projects forward. We view it as our modest contribution to preserving culture and the environment for future generations of Thai people. We would like to congratulate and thank those who developed all the winning projects for partnering with us to create a better society.”
Ford Thailand and the judging panel of the 5th Ford Motor Company conservation and Environmental Grants for 2004 made a decision to award grants to 24 projects. The winning projects this year comprise of nine (9) environmental conservation projects, nine (9) youth development projects, four (4) cultural heritage projects, and two (2) energy conservation projects.
This year Ford received cooperation from NYK Bulkship (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which provided additional financial support worth Bt0.4 m. With Ford’s sponsorship of Bt2.4m, the total value of grants for this year is Bt2.8m.
The 5th Ford Grants received greater response than previous years with a total number of 183 entries--seventy-one of which are environmental projects and seventy others are those related to youth development. There are also thirty-four cultural heritage projects and eight energy development initiatives.
The judging panel, independent from Ford, comprises members who have distinguished themselves in environmental protection, natural resource preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage. This year, the judging panel comprises representatives from the National Culture Commission, Department of Energy Development and Promotion and representatives from local media. Criteria for the contest are merits for usefulness and practicality, dedication and commitment of its participants, financial need, originality, and replicability.
The financial support given to conservation and environmental projects is part of the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants. In Thailand, the program was initiated in 2000.
Implemented in more than 50 countries worldwide, the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants is one of the largest programs of its kind in the world. The Grants originated from the Henry Ford European Conservation Awards established in Britain in 1983, which over its 20-year existence grew to encompass more than 15,000 projects and 110,000 individuals across 34 European countries.
More information on the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants can be found on www.ecoford.com
Contact:
Natee Sastyoungkul
Tel. 02 686-4000 ext. 4635
Fax. 02 661 8008
[email protected] End.