Ford has a long, generous history with disaster relief efforts worldwide. The Red Cross extensively relied on Ford Model T ambulances during World War I. More recently, the Bavarian Red Cross acquired a fleet of battery electric Ford E-Transit ambulances as part of a new pilot program in Rhön-Grabfeld and Erlangen-Höchstadt, Germany. Ford Philanthropy recently put pen to paper, inking a deal with the Australian Red Cross for a new three-year partnership.
The partnership, worth $1.5 million AUD, will help support local Australian communities before, during, and after disasters. The funding will be allocated toward year-round disaster response, recovery, and preparedness. This includes a Community Resilience Program, which delivers natural disaster preparedness information to high-risk communities in East Gippland and a 12-month program in the City of Greater Geelong.
Ford will also provide a loaner fleet of seven vehicles across each state and the Northern Territory, which will allow the Red Cross to participate in humanitarian work to support communities across the country. The collaboration will also provide participation opportunities for dealers and staff, including the chance to take part in community fundraising, volunteering, Lifeblood Drives, and more.
“The work Australian Red Cross does in helping to support communities to respond and recover from disasters and climate related emergencies aligns with our global vision,” said Mary Culler, Ford Philanthropy President. “In Australia, Ford Philanthropy will support Australian Red Cross in its work around community resilience and disaster preparedness and recovery. We are establishing a transformative and scalable collaboration, supporting Australian Red Cross to respond effectively during crises, while working towards strengthening community resilience.”
Australia Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin added, “With Ford’s generous commitment, we can expand our reach, ensuring more people have the tools and resources to prepare for and recover from crises. By combining our expertise with Ford’s dedication to community support, we can ensure no-one is left behind in times of need.”
While committing to Red Cross efforts overseas, Ford also partakes in philanthropic efforts close to home – most recently, Ford dealers in California banded together to donate $465,000 toward LA wildfire relief.
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