"Participating in disaster relief has given us a sense of purpose beyond our everyday work, bringing us together to support our communities impacted by a devastating monsoon season," said Jane Holloway, Senior Manager of International Market Groups for Ford Philanthropy, reflecting on her experience in Northern Thailand.

In August, flash floods and landslides devastated villages in Mae Hong Son Province, displacing residents and leaving them without clean water or crops. Two weeks later, Jane and her Ford colleagues visited the area, meeting a village elder who, despite losing half of his house, welcomed them into what remained of his home. "His generosity really stood out to me," Jane said. "Even after such a heartbreaking loss, he offered to share his food and openly discussed the support his community required."

Partnering for Community Recovery

Recognizing the urgent need, Ford employee volunteers quickly mobilized support with Ford dealers and Ford Philanthropy nonprofit partner, the Karen Hilltribes Trust, which provides community health and education services. Alongside the Karen Hilltribes Trust and Scholars of Sustenance, an international food rescue organization, Ford volunteers helped distribute over 500 blankets, 2000 kg (4409 lbs) of rice, dry food, cooking oil, construction materials, and hygiene products in Ma Mae Ko Pi and Mae Malaka Tai, impacting over 600 people. The Sati Foundation, another Ford Philanthropy partner, also assessed villagers' mental health, identifying trauma and planning workshops to help them cope.

This initiative builds on a Ford Philanthropy grant to the Karen Hilltribe Trust, which increased school buses for children in villages, funded meals for boarding schools, and scholarships for vocational college students. During this year’s Global Caring Month, Ford Philanthropy and Ford Thailand provided additional funding to restore water sources, while employees donated clothing and blankets, and Ford Dealers mobilized vehicles and volunteers to deliver the essential items.

After speaking with the village elder, Jane noticed a group of shy children at a school above his house who, during her team's first visit, were shy and ran away. But when they returned two weeks later, the children were buzzing with excitement. "It was heartwarming to see the trust we built just by coming back," Jane recalled. "The kids were so excited to see us again, and they didn’t hesitate to help us unload supplies—even in the rain."