Remembering the Forgotten Coast
Ford Team Volunteers Assist Team Rubicon
As part of the Team Rubicon Powered by Ford initiative Ford employees joined Team Rubicon in Florida this week to help rebuild communities hit by Hurricane Idalia. Nearly two months later, hundreds of homes still have damaged roofs, dangerous mold, and fallen trees.
Thirteen Ford employees stayed in a government-run camp in Mayo, Florida with the veteran-led disaster relief organization serving the Big Bend region of Florida, sometimes referred to as "the Forgotten Coast." Working alongside Team Rubicon's Greyshirt volunteers, they removed debris and cleared trees to help get residents get back on their feet.
"It was a privilege to spend the week with Team Rubicon. This work was extremely meaningful and personally fulfilling," said Mike Weller, Model E Purchase and Experience Manager and one of the 13 Ford volunteers deployed to Florida. "It gave me the opportunity to help those in need following the devastation of Hurricane Idalia. The gratitude of those we helped was overwhelming. A huge shout out to the Team Rubicon team, whose passion and grit was moving. I consider myself lucky to have found myself among these heroes."
Ford also donated a fleet of vehicles to power Team Rubicon's work in the field, helping to expand their reach in communities affected by the growing number of natural disasters.