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Ford Fund Supports Lebanon Relief Efforts with Donation, Employee Match

Ford assistance package could reach $50,000 following massive explosion

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Company Fund is making a contribution to the Lebanese Red Cross to assist relief efforts in Beirut following this week's horrific explosion that killed at least 135 people, injured about 5,000 and left nearly 300,000 homeless.

Croix Rouge Libanaise logo in red on white background to the left of text Lebanese Red Cross also in red

Working through Global Giving, Ford Fund's international grant-making partner, Ford Fund is contributing $40,000 to the Lebanese Red Cross. The contribution includes $10,000 to match employee and other donations, for a potential total assistance package of $50,000.

Employees and others wishing to help can make a donation at https://www.globalgiving.org/ford-disaster-relief/.

The Ford Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Association employee resource group has been receiving many calls offering support and condolences from employees around the world in the wake of the tragedy.

"The loss of life and the unbelievable destruction are heartbreaking," said Ali Jammoul, a vehicle program director and member of MENA. "We have been touched and comforted by the many calls from our Ford colleagues and members of the community expressing their concern and offering to help."

Lebanese Red Cross teams are on the ground in Beirut, responding to the injured with first aid and triage stations and opening shelters for homeless families. All 125 Lebanese Red Cross ambulances have been dispatched to help with rescues and evacuations of people in the area of the blast, which destroyed the Port of Beirut and flattened many downtown businesses. As the investigation into the massive explosion continues, government leaders estimate $10 to $15 billion in financial losses for a country already facing an economic crisis and a medical system strained from COVID-19.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt compassion and support to all our Lebanese colleagues, friends, families and distributors impacted in some way by the tragic event this week in Beirut," said Mark Ovenden, president, Ford International Markets Group. "Should any employees require support related to the incident, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our employee assistance team or your manager."

Ford Fund continues to monitor the evolving situation and is staying in touch with disaster relief partners.