When disaster strikes, every second counts. Communities need support that is both immediate and long-lasting; support that helps them rebuild while simultaneously preparing for the future.

Ford and the Australian Red Cross share a fundamental commitment to aiding communities in their most vulnerable moments. Building on Ford's longstanding partnership with the Red Cross, Ford Australia is honored to stand alongside the Australian Red Cross, forging a new path that will strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery efforts in Australia.

This partnership goes beyond immediate aid, aiming to assist in long-term recovery and foster a culture of preparedness in an ever-changing natural environment. With Ford Australia's extensive reach, we believe this collaboration will yield significant results during the toughest of times.

This agreement perfectly aligns with Ford's global approach to philanthropy. "Being there in times of crisis" isn't just a phrase for us; it's a guiding principle. Our founder, Henry Ford, was a passionate supporter of the American Red Cross, establishing formal partnerships that began over a century ago.

During World War I, Ford's factories transitioned from civilian vehicles to military production, including munitions. Ford collaborated with the U.S. Surgeon General Office to design a Model-T-based ambulance specifically for battlefield duties.

These ambulances were used by the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations throughout the war. Even before America entered the war, Ford supplied the Red Cross with Model-T-based trucks called Cook Wagons, providing hot meals and drinks to troops on the front lines.

As the world plunged into World War II, Ford again converted its production lines to military service and worked with the Red Cross to organize blood-donation drives. Ford also provided vehicles to the American Red Cross Motor Corp., a women's volunteer organization that transported sick and wounded soldiers and delivered essential supplies.

Post-war, Ford continued its support through blood drives within its plants and offices and as a long-term supporter of the American Red Cross Disaster Giving Program.

With this history in mind, I am confident that the Ford Australia partnership with the Red Cross will greatly benefit those who need it most, both now and in the future.

This new partnership has clear goals and responsibilities. Ford Philanthropy and Ford Australia aim to complement and enhance the Australian Red Cross's work in all aspects of natural disaster response.

The program, delivered through Ford Philanthropy, represents a commitment of A$1.5 million over three years. It includes community resilience programs, delivering information and preparedness tools to communities in East Gippsland Shire across 24 months, and a 12-month program for the City of Greater Geelong.

The Geelong region is considered at high-risk of natural disasters due to its geography, climate, landscape, and urban growth. East Gippsland has been identified as one of the most bushfire-prone areas in Victoria. The RediCommunities program aims to equip high-risk communities with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create and implement their own disaster resilience action plans.

Having worked with disaster-relief organizations for many years, this proactive approach is a cornerstone of the ‘more prepared you are, the quicker the recovery is’ mantra.

Ford Australia is also committing to providing brand-new vehicles to assist with the programs' implementation. This includes four-wheel-drive Rangers, zero-emissions electric Transit vans, and even a Mustang Mach-E, stationed in every State and the Northern Territory.

But the Ford family's involvement goes beyond vehicles. Ford dealerships will have the opportunity to conduct community events, such as barbecue fundraisers, for communities hit by disaster or during the Red Cross Disaster Preparedness month in September. Dealership staff will be encouraged to participate in blood donations, and Red Cross and Ford-branded first aid kits will be available for purchase through dealerships.

Dealership staff will also be given the option to volunteer at Red Cross shops, sign up for Red Cross first aid and mental health courses, and help pack festive season food hampers for families in need across Australia.

This is a significant project and a first for Ford Australia and the Red Cross. But based on the century of successful partnerships between the two organizations worldwide, I'm confident that this collaboration will make the worst times in disaster victims' lives a little less painful.

Mary Culler is president of Ford Philanthropy.