Ford Motor Company has long supported the communities it operates in, often involving its business partners as well. In Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), its sole distributor in Malaysia, participates by joining in Ford’s annual Global Caring Month and extending support for key community programs.
US$20,000 in grants for NGOs
This year, Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, will award a total of US$20,000 (RM94,000) in grants to two non-profit organizations in Malaysia – the Global Peace Foundation Malaysia and Peninsula Malaysia Orang Asli Foundation to support projects focused on rebuilding houses and restoration of school facilities.
“We are proud to be Ford’s partner not just in delivering world-class vehicles, but also in implementing programs that give back to the community. Our SDAC Ford employees are grateful to be given the opportunity to come together every year to join Ford’s Global Caring Month to volunteer and participate in meaningful community initiatives,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
House Refurbishment and Food Aid
A portion of the grant will be awarded to Global Peace Festival Malaysia, a non-religious, non-partisan, and non-profit organization in the country to help refurbish houses and boost food supply for 17 families. Global Peace Festival Malaysia will also facilitate cooking sessions for communities to aid them in their food preparation.
With a mission to build resilient and cohesive Orang Asli communities, Global Peace Festival Malaysia has worked with various underserved communities in both Peninsular and East Malaysia over the last 10 years. Their programs are designed to address the real needs of each community, ranging from basic needs to access to education, livelihood, and economic empowerment.
Education Aid in Slim River District
Peninsula Malaysia Orang Asli Association, another non-profit organisation in Malaysia, is also one of the recipients of the grant, and is looking to use the funding to restore and upgrade school facilities, such as classrooms, libraries, computer labs and other essential amenities, in the rural area.
Founded by Orang Asli community members, Peninsula Malaysia Orang Asli Association team have joined forces to improve the communities in many ways including flood assistance, healthcare, food supplies, and native gatherings.
“Caring for each other is an important value we hold dear at Ford. With our annual Global Caring Month, we bring to life our commitment to social responsibility by extending care to the communities where we operate. We thank Sime Darby Auto Connexion for being a partner in making a difference and positive impact to individuals and families in Malaysia,” said D.J. Simpson, Managing Director, Ford Asia Pacific Distributor Markets.