Lear Pledges $5 Million in Projects and Programs to Support the Revitalization of the City of Detroit

DETROIT, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lear Corporation (NYSE:  LEA), a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical power management systems, today announced that it has pledged $5 million to support the revitalization of the City of Detroit.  This grant will address critical community needs such as nutrition, health, recreation and education in several neighborhoods throughout Detroit.

Lear's $5 million pledge of support will be invested over the next ten years, and used to fund specific infrastructure improvement projects, including parks as well as community-based programs that support children and families.

"Our investment in the City of Detroit builds on our Company's proud heritage of supporting the communities where we do business.  Lear's funding is targeted to make direct improvements in neighborhoods with projects and programs that will provide families with opportunities for exercise, recreation and social enrichment for all ages.  Having grown up in Detroit, I know the importance of supporting and empowering citizens at the neighborhood level," said Bob Rossiter, Chairman, CEO and president of Lear Corporation.  "We fully support Mayor Bing's efforts to revitalize the city and are pleased to be part of his turnaround efforts.  This is our way of providing immediate and tangible support to make a difference, one neighborhood at a time," Rossiter added.

"On behalf of the citizens of the City of Detroit, I want to thank Lear Corporation for their fine example of support.  I encourage other corporations, civic groups and private citizens to join in support of our city.  Working together, we can make a big difference in the quality of life for all of our residents," commented Dave Bing, Mayor of the City of Detroit.

The first project being funded by Lear is revitalization of the James T. Hope Playfield on Lahser Avenue, just south of Six Mile Road on the west side of the city.  This project includes new playground equipment, a picnic shelter, a new walking path, horseshoe courts and disc golf practice area.  In addition, the parking lots will be re-surfaced, fences will be repaired, existing ball fields will be improved, the park's trees will be trimmed and the entire 17-acre site will be cleared of debris and maintained as part of this project.  

Lear funding will also be awarded to the Ravendale Community Center on Harper Avenue in Detroit for summer programs for children and families, including nutrition, education, social and professional development.  One such program is Youth Collaborating for Success (YCFS), a nine-week summer program for youth ages 4-16 years old in the Ravendale community.  The program is a collaborative effort of volunteers, parents, and community members to help improve the learning capability of children.  YCFS will engage the participants in activities that encourage academic enhancement, social skill management, anger management and conflict resolution and drug & crime prevention.  Approximately 160 youth are enrolled this summer.

Lear also provides financial support, gifts of goods and services and dozens of employee volunteers for many other Detroit-based community organizations, including Volunteers in Prevention (VIP) Mentoring and the Arts League of Michigan (ALM).  

VIP Mentoring creates sustainable, meaningful mentoring relationships for children in the tri-county area, especially the City of Detroit.  Mentoring relationships are created early in the child's life and are supported long-term in order to promote positive and productive behaviors.  Further information on VIP Mentoring is available at:  www.vipmentoring.org or contact 313-964-1110.

The Arts League of Michigan is a community based arts organization which develops, promotes, presents and preserves the African and African American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community.  The Arts League's home, the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, is Detroit's premier destination for people of all ages to learn, practice, present and perform all art forms.  Further information on the Arts League is available at:  www.artsleague.com or contact 313-965-8430.

Lear Corporation is one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive seating systems and electrical power management systems.  The Company's world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by a diverse team of approximately 75,000 employees at 198 facilities in 36 countries.  Lear's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan, and Lear's common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LEA.  Further information about Lear is available at www.lear.com, or contact Mel Stephens of Lear Corporation at 248-447-1624.

SOURCE Lear Corporation