Building a Better World: ‘Team Rubicon Powered by Ford’ Serves Communities Impacted by Natural Disasters

“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 Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “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.”  

Ford and the Ford Fund have been invested in disaster relief efforts since 1999 when an earthquake struck Turkey and the company mobilized vehicles, volunteers and other lifesaving aid in the region. Over the last few years, the Ford Fund has donated $1.5 million to Team Rubicon and $7 million to disaster relief efforts globally. Earlier this year, dozens of Team Rubicon and Ford volunteers worked together over the course of a week to remove debris and muck out Detroit homes that remain damaged from flooding in 2021.

Team Rubicon was founded by two Marines in the wake of the Haiti earthquake in 2010.  The veteran-led organization has expanded to 160,000 volunteers and deployed its teams to more than 1,100 natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the world.

“The 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,” said Art delaCruz, CEO, Team Rubicon and a retired U.S. Naval officer. “We look forward to showcasing the possibilities that can happen when purpose-driven companies' team up with humanitarian organizations.”      

The 17-vehicle fleet includes 10 F-150 Hybrids, three F-150 Lightnings and two Super Duty trucks and two Bronco SUVs. The F-Series trucks are equipped with Pro Power Onboard™ to provide electricity to those in need of power and to tow and haul heavy equipment and machinery.   

With an already impressive fleet of nearly 30 Ford vehicles, the donation of an additional 17 along with five years of Ford Pro Fleet Management Software and scheduled service maintenance will enhance Team Rubicon’s ability to serve and deliver relief in the toughest of environments.  

Ford’s contributions and investments from Ford Fund support Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve, a fund comprised of forward-thinking corporate, foundation and individual donors enabling readiness and powering responses before a disaster strikes. 

The Ford initiative with Team Rubicon will also explore possible partnerships with dealers to act as staging areas for the organization during disasters.  Vehicle and maintenance service donations are provided by Project Apollo, which began as Ford’s call to action to produce and distribute personal protection equipment in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when the existing supply could not meet the urgent and growing demand.   

Ford has many veteran employees.  This partnership exemplifies the company’s commitment to prioritizing those who have served our country.   

To learn more about volunteering with Team Rubicon, please click here.