The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has partnered with non-governmental organisations in South Africa by providing vehicles for their use in assisting communities with Covid-19 relief items. The organisations working in partnership with FMCSA include Gift of the Givers Foundation, Laudium Disaster Management and the South African Red Cross Society.
The Managing Director of FMCSA, Neale Hill, said, ‘The people at the frontline of the containment efforts and those dealing with the sick are the true heroes of this unprecedented battle, and we commend every doctor, nurse, NGO, healthcare worker and volunteer involved in this process for their selfless commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of others’.
He also said, ‘We are exceptionally proud to be supporting several NGOs and their teams of dedicated volunteers with vehicles prior to, during and after the lockdown period as they assist the authorities with a wide range of measures to distribute essential healthcare and food items, educate communities on the importance of hygiene, and provide crucial medical assistance’.
FMCSA loaned three Everests to Laudium Disaster Management, which were used to distribute soap and hand sanitiser to communities and other NGOs, including Hospice and DeafSA. The vehicles also transported personnel who went to educate communities about the importance of hygiene in combatting the spread of Covid-19.
The Director of Gift of the Givers, Dr. Badr Kazi, appreciated FMCSA for its support. He said, ‘The Gift of the Givers Foundation is extremely grateful to Ford for its proactive response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought the world to a virtual standstill. These five vehicles allow our medical teams to deliver potential lifesaving aid timeously. Furthermore, it fosters the spirit of ubuntu when South Africans come together, roll up their sleeves and get the job done. We hope that we at Gift of the Givers, like the Ford products, are built tough for the challenges that lie ahead’.
FMCSA also provided two Rangers to the South African Red Cross Society to facilitate the provision of community health services, including assisting the authorities by implementing strict health measures at food retailers, banks and other essential service centres that will remain operational throughout the lockdown period.
Source: Automobilsports.com
Photo source: Truck Hardware
