Community Champions are passionate supporters of the communities where their employees, customers, and colleagues live and work.
Their annual contributions are used to carry out the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross as we work together to build a better prepared community, serve those who serve our country, and provide humanitarian relief to our neighbors in need.
The Community Champions program is designed for organizations like yours. As a passionate supporter of the Red Cross, the Community Champions program is an opportunity to provide life-changing financial support enabling our chapter to be there for over 3.5 million people during their time of need.
If you would like to learn how your company can get involved in the Community Champions program, please contact Andrea Waldron at andrea.waldron@redcross.org or (858) 309-1217.
Community Champions Spotlight
San Diego County Ford Dealers
The San Diego County Ford Dealers have made a measureable difference in San Diego through their partnership with the American Red Cross. From donating a new first response vehicle, to providing youth disaster outreach and education, San Diego County Ford Dealers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making San Diego the most prepared region in the nation.
Ford First Response Vehicle
The American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter is extremely grateful to welcome a new Ford Transit Connect to our fleet of response vehicles. The Transit Connect is primarily utilized by our Government Liaison Officers (GLO’s) who work in the field and function as the interface between the Red Cross and first responder agencies. GLO’s respond to incidents throughout San Diego County.
Having the Ford Transit Connect vehicle allows the Red Cross to expand its services on the initial GLO response. With the added cargo capability of the Transit Connect Red Cross is able to bring needed supplies directly to the incident while the larger operation is brought up to speed. The Transit is stocked with items such as bottled water, shelf stable meals, and blankets available to first responders or people directly affected by the disaster. It also carries items necessary to initiate the opening of a shelter and begin case management with those needing additional resources following the emergency.
Ford in the Community
Ford’s investment supports community disaster response and disaster preparedness youth outreach efforts.
San Diego County Ford Dealers support ongoing recovery assistance following small- and large-scale disasters. Through this partnership, Ford supports Red Cross disaster relief services including shelter, food, clothing, physical and mental health services. As part of the partnership, local Ford employees have been trained as a volunteer corp to set up emergency shelters and provide food and hydration to disaster victims.
Support from Ford reaches throughout the community and into San Diego’s school. Thanks to Ford, the Red Cross is able to transcend economic barriers to bring essential preparedness training and resources directly to children in grade levels K-5 in some of San Diego County’s most unprepared neighborhoods. When a child understands the importance of being prepared, they share this critical message with family members who take action together to be ready in case of disaster. And last year, Ford took preparedness one step further and each of the 11 San Diego County Ford Dealers distributed disaster preparedness kits to 500 new Ford owners.
The American Red Cross applauds San Diego County Ford Dealers and the Ford Motor Company Fund for their support and commitment to making San Diego a safer and more prepared community.