Investing in Helping Others
Ford’s disaster relief efforts grow, serving more communities in need
By Jennifer LaForce
Last year, Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, the Ford Fund, announced a five-year commitment to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that provides no-cost services to vulnerable communities in the wake of crisis and natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and wildfires. The new Team Rubicon Powered by Ford builds on a long-standing relationship between the two organizations. And it builds on nearly 25 years of disaster relief efforts by Ford.
Photo by Joel Morales from Team Rubicon
“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, Ford’s executive chair, in a press announcement. “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.”
Along with a monetary investment and ongoing employee volunteerism, Ford donated a fleet of vehicles to the new disaster relief initiative, including 10 Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid trucks and three Ford F-150 Lightning trucks. These vehicles were built at the Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan. Every year, thousands of guests visit this legendary location as part of The Henry Ford’s Ford Rouge Factory Tour, where they can see F-150s being built on the assembly line. Through the tour experience, visitors can also explore a number of informative displays, including a mock kitchen and living room powered by a Ford F-150 Lightning, helping to demonstrate one of the many ways hybrid and electric vehicles can provide aid in emergency situations.
In Service
The fleet of vehicles Ford Motor Company and the Ford Fund donated to Team Rubicon will increase the veteran-led organization’s ability to power, tow and haul tools, equipment and machinery. Along with the 10 Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid trucks and three Ford F-150 Lightning trucks built at the Rouge Complex, Team Rubicon also received two Ford Super Duty F-350 trucks and two Ford Broncos with a Sasquatch off-road package.
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The fleet of trucks are all equipped with varying Pro Power Onboard capabilities, enabling Team Rubicon to provide essential services to communities without electricity. All the donated vehicles also feature a unique, co-branded wrap design inspired by the quick maneuverability and responsiveness of an aircraft.
This post was adapted from an article in the Winter-Spring 2024 issue of The Henry Ford Magazine.
