GM Foundation Donation to Improve Community Centers

$2 Million Partnership Benefits Residents Near Detroit-Hamtramck Plant

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Dec 02, 2010, 10:00 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The General Motors Foundation and the City of Detroit are working together to upgrade two community centers near the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant with a $2 million GM Foundation donation.

The donation, announced Thursday by GM Vice President of Manufacturing and Labor and GM Foundation Board member Diana Tremblay, is part of GM's goal to make a difference in the communities where it builds vehicles, beginning with its home base of Detroit.

"GM's commitment to the residents of our city is an important example to the businesses of Metro Detroit," said Mayor Dave Bing. "Choosing to support improvements to Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center and Lasky Recreation Center, two facilities near the Detroit-Hamtramck Plant, shows that we can all make a difference in the neighborhoods we call home."

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant is home of the all-new Chevy Volt electric car with extended range capability, as well as the Cadillac DTS and the Buick Lucerne.

"We want to be a good neighbor and one way to do that is identify the needs in a community and respond with the money, the time and the talent to make a difference," Tremblay said.

"I hope that we will work on programs that promote safety or environmental education to community members. I see opportunities to train young people on manufacturing concepts like workplace organization, group problem solving and teamwork," she said. "The possibilities are endless and exciting."

At the Williams center, improvements to the front entrance will help stop exterior flooding that occurs when it rains and prevent damage to the building structure, said Alicia Minter, director of the City of Detroit Recreation Department. The center also will have its restrooms made accessible under the American Disabilities Act, get swimming pool repairs, lighting, electrical and other cosmetic upgrades.

In addition to a new roof, the Lasky center will get exterior brickwork repairs to make it water tight and prevent further structure damage; ceiling repairs; an updated mechanical system, and a new chair lift for access to all levels of the building, which does not have an elevator.

"This tremendous gift is an investment in the community," Minter said. "Our recreation centers provide youth, adults and seniors access to leisure opportunities that enhance their quality of life though physical and social activities such as swimming, volleyball, ceramics, and after school programs."

About the GM Foundation – Since its inception in 1976, GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions to deserving American charities and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. For more information, visit www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/community

About General Motors – General Motors Company (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Russia. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.