Ford Motor Company, the Ford Fund and Team Rubicon on June 20 announced Team Rubicon Powered by Ford, a new disaster relief initiative that will serve the growing number of communities across the U.S. impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires.
According to studies, 90% of U.S. counties experienced a federal climate disaster between 2011-2021. Ford’s investment---which includes a fleet of vehicles, a $2.5 million philanthropic donation, and a commitment to deploying employee volunteers---greatly expands Team Rubicon’s ability to provide no-cost services to vulnerable communities in the wake of these disasters and crises.
“At the heart of Ford is our commitment to help out our communities in times of need and make it possible for our employees to volunteer their time and talent to help others," said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company. "The reality is weather-related disasters in the U.S. are becoming more frequent and more severe. That is why we are significantly expanding our relationship with Team Rubicon, donating a fleet of vehicles and deploying volunteers where they are needed most.”
Team Rubicon Powered by Ford builds on nearly 25 years of disaster relief efforts by Ford. The company has invested in disaster relief efforts since 1999, when a catastrophic earthquake struck Turkey, and Ford mobilized vehicles, volunteers and other lifesaving aid in the region.
Since then, Ford has consistently supported disaster relief efforts in communities across the country and around the world. From Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the Texas ice storms in 2021 to deadly storms in eastern Kentucky in 2022, Ford has shown up for communities in need by deploying vehicles to provide emergency transportation and power, delivering essential goods and funding direct service providers.
Over the last few years, the Ford Fund has donated $7 million to disaster relief efforts globally, including $1.5 million in previous investments to Team Rubicon.
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises. Founded following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the organization has grown to more than 160,000 volunteers across the U.S. and has launched more than 1,100 operations domestically and internationally. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible.
“It starts with shared values---Team Rubicon and Ford both embrace the ethos of service, a vision of creating and strengthening communities---we’re committed to service," said Art delaCruz, Team Rubicon CEO and retired U.S. Naval officer. "This Ford fleet and its innovative technology, in addition to the Ford Fund investment, exponentially increases our ability to reach those who have been impacted by disasters and crises. We are thankful for the longtime support and generous investment from the Ford Motor Company and the Ford Fund, and look forward to showcasing the possibilities that can happen when purpose-driven companies team up with humanitarian organizations.”
Source: Ford Motor Company
Abby Andrews