Ford’s chairman, Bill Ford, announced on June 20 that the Ford Fund is initiating a $5.8 million investment in disaster relief operations to aid communities affected by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.Â
The announcement is a part of the five-year partnership between the automakers’ charitable arm and Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit organization in the U.S. In addition to its $2.5 million investment, Ford donated 17 vehicles to Team Rubicon, including three Ford F-150 Lightning trucks, ten Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid trucks, two Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, and two Ford Bronco SUVs. The legacy automaker also offered 5 years of maintenance on the 17 vehicles.
Bill Ford, Mary Culler, the president of the Ford Fund, and Art delaCruz, the CEO of Team Rubicon and a former U.S. Navy officer, co-hosted an event at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn to honor the long-term dedication and Ford workers who volunteer when necessary.
In a press release, Bill Ford stated, “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.” He continued by saying, “The fact is that weather-related disasters are happening more frequently and with greater severity in the U.S. So, we are extending our partnership with Team Rubicon significantly. As a result, we’re providing a fleet of vehicles and sending volunteers to the areas where they are most needed.”
A significant portion of Ford’s fleet of donated vehicles is mobile electric power. Still, the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid includes Pro Power Onboard with a maximum output of 7.2 kW. It has 120-volt and 240-volt outlets and a full fuel tank will allow the generator to run at full capacity for about 32 hours.
