Goodwill Industries and corporate partners help unemployed secure or keep jobs

DETROIT – Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and its partners today announced the start of the 2012 “Rides for Jobs” campaign. The month long effort concludes Oct. 31 and will help individuals throughout Metro Detroit overcome one of the most daunting employment challenges – transportation. “Every day, Goodwill Industries helps people across Southeast Michigan conquer all sorts of challenges keeping them from holding a job or from earning new employment,” said Lorna Utley, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. “For many in Metro Detroit, securing reliable transportation to and from a workplace or an interview opportunity is the greatest barrier keeping them from economic independence.”

A $50 donation to the “Rides for Jobs” campaign provides transportation for a neighbor or friend for an entire month. Donations also will help Goodwill Industries provide aid to those in need of other employment-related transportation assistance, including gas cards and automobile repairs, that enables them to travel to interviews, training classes and other destinations crucial to their job search efforts. The campaign will benefit Goodwill Industries clients in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Metro Detroiters can get involved and help ensure reliable transportation for Goodwill clients through Oct. 31 by purchasing Pepsi products from any Michigan CVS/pharmacy location or by donating directly to the campaign. Those wishing to donate may do so online at http://www.RidesforJobs.org or call (866) 964-GIVE (4483).

Campaign partners CVS/pharmacy and the Pepsi Beverages Company will donate proceeds to “Rides for Jobs” from purchases of 7.5 oz, 8-pack Pepsi cans bought at any Michigan CVS/pharmacy location during the month of October, up to a total donation of $10,000. All 264 CVS/pharmacy store locations location will feature in-store displays supporting the campaign.

“The ‘Rides for Jobs’ program falls in line with Pepsi’s vision ‘to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate - environment, social, economic - creating a better tomorrow than today,’ This Goodwill initiative is enhancing the economic independence of the community we serve, which is critical to all vibrant communities,” said Barbara Ward, Marketing Manager, Pepsi Bottling Group.

“Rides for Jobs” partner the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) will match all donations on Oct. 17, designated as “Rides for Jobs” Match Day in Metro Detroit. DDOT will match individual donations with bus passes up to $5,000 in value.

“Access to affordable, safe transportation creates opportunities for Metro Detroiters – whether it is to commute to work or attend training classes that may lead to employment. These opportunities help sustain families and instill pride in our citizens. Reliable public transportation is critical to creating self sufficiency in our community and DDOT is dedicated to supporting that goal by helping our customers get where they need to go,” added Ron Freeland, CEO, Detroit Department of Transportation.

“The “Rides for Jobs” campaign is a key component of Goodwill Industries’ partnership with the Detroit Lions and the Living for the City community initiative focused on sustainable community health, wellness, and development—including efforts to support public transportation and aligned workforce opportunities,” said Robert Wooley, Director of Community Relations, Detroit Lions. “Throughout the 2012-13 season, the Detroit Lions are encouraging community giving to provide training and employment opportunities to those in need,” Wooley added.

For more information on Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s “Rides for Jobs” campaign and other efforts to help Metro Detroit residents overcome barriers to employment, follow the organization on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/goodwilldet), become a fan on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/goodwilldetroit) or visit http://www.goodwilldetroit.org.