Australian Red Cross and Ford Philanthropy have launched a new three-year, AUD$1.5 million partnership, to support Australian communities and strengthen local, community-led efforts to build resilience and recover from disasters.

Australian Red Cross CEO Andrew Colvin, said the partnership between Australian Red Cross and Ford Philanthropy is a powerful demonstration of how we can work together to support communities before, during, and after disasters.

“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,” Andrew Colvin said.

The relationship between Ford and Red Cross goes back to the early days of the Ford Motor Company, when Henry Ford supplied converted Model Ts to serve as battlefield ambulances during World War One. And for the last 75 years, Ford Motor Company has been a proud partner of the Red Cross, assisting with disaster relief, health and safety training and education, international, and lifesaving blood services.

Ford Philanthropy President, Mary Culler, said Ford has a global commitment to being there in times of crisis.

“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. 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,” Mary Culler said.

Ford’s three-year $1.5 million funding from Ford Philanthropy through international grant making partner GlobalGiving, includes:

• Philanthropic investment in year-round disaster response, recovery and preparedness. 
• Community Resilience Programs: Delivering disaster preparedness information and tools to communities in East Gippsland who are at high risk of natural disasters and a bespoke 12-month program in the City of Greater Geelong. 
• A loan fleet of seven Ford vehicles spread across each state and the Northern Territory, to enable Australian Red Cross to engage in humanitarian work to support communities across the country. 
• Extensive participation opportunities for dealers and staff, from community fundraising, to volunteering, Lifeblood Drives, and more.