Latest news with #Volunteer
USA Today
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Ford donates $1.25 million to Texas flood relief, launches recovery efforts
Ford Motor Co., its employees, dealers and philanthropic arm are uniting to help Texans as the grim search continues for the more than 173 people who remain missing after flash floods last week devastated the state. As of the morning of July 10, the death toll from the catastrophic flooding of the Guadalupe River in central Texas rose to 119 people, according to a USA TODAY report. To help in the search and recovery, Ford, its dealers in Texas and Ford Philanthropy are donating $1.25 million to local charities to support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country as well as local affiliates of Ford's "Building Together" partners. Ford Philanthropy, which used to be called Ford Fund until last year, is a nonprofit funded by Ford Motor Co. Formed in 1949, Ford and its philanthropic arm have donated $2.3 billion to charities in that time, according to Last month, Ford launched its new "Building Together" program aimed at unifying Ford corporate leaders, employees, dealerships and nonprofit groups when responding to a crisis. Ford gives back: Bryan Cranston champions Ford's new philanthropy push at revived Detroit landmark Beyond the money, Ford employees, dealers and nonprofits will provide immediate help and lay the foundation for recovery by running shelters and reunification centers and distributing emergency food boxes. 'All of us at Ford are deeply saddened by the devastating floods in Central Texas and our thoughts are with all the families and communities who are mourning the loss of loved ones," said Elena Ford, Ford's chief dealer engagement officer, in an email to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Ford offers payment relief Beyond the money, Ford said the automaker's dealers in Texas are providing loaner vehicles to the American Red Cross to help it widen its response efforts in reaching impacted areas. Also, Ford said that on July 17, Ford employees and dealers will come to the North Texas Food Bank to pack food boxes for local Texas families, including those impacted by the floods. On July 10, Ford Volunteer Corps members started preparing to deploy to Texas with Team Rubicon. A longtime partner with Ford Philanthropy, Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief and aid nationwide. Through Ford's new Extended Volunteer Paid Time Off Policy, Ford's trained volunteers will join Team Rubicon's mission as the recovery efforts begin in Texas. Finally, Ford Credit is offering a deferred payment option to customers in FEMA Designated Areas. Ford Credit and Lincoln Automotive Financial Services are offering payment extensions of up to 60 days for customers affected by the storms, straight-line winds and flooding in Texas. Elena Ford said the automaker's dealers have always been deeply rooted in their communities and are known to step up when help is needed, such as in this case. "As search and rescue efforts continue and recovery begins, we're standing alongside our Texas Ford Dealers, Ford Philanthropy, and nonprofit partners to ensure critical support gets to those who need it most," Ford said. Toyota also lends a hand Ford's news comes after Toyota Motor North America said on July 8 that it was partnering with Toyota Financial Services, distributors Gulf States Toyota and Southeast Toyota and Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne and Toyota and Lexus dealers nationwide, to provide a combined donation of more than $600,000 to help people impacted by the floods in Texas. The group's relief efforts include donations to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, along with matching contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism. Also, Toyota Financial Services is offering payment relief options to affected customers. "When disasters like this occur, it's important to help our neighbors and communities in their time of need," said Ted Ogawa, chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrible tragedy." General Motors spokeswoman Tara Kuhnen said the automaker is providing the American Red Cross with pickups and SUVs to aid in recovery efforts. "Our participation and contribution to the Red Cross' Annual Disaster Giving Program equips the Red Cross with the immediate resources to respond quickly and provide critical shelter and supplies to those impacted by the tragic flooding," Kuhnen said in a statement. Additionally, GM has activated OnStar Full Crisis Mode services in Texas, Kuhnen said. That means anyone in an OnStar-equipped Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC vehicle impacted by the floods can press the in-vehicle blue button for complimentary crisis assist services, or the red emergency button if they are in need of immediate emergency help. A Stellantis spokesperson did not immediately provide a comment when asked whether the company plans to give any aid to Texas. Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Dedicated Prestwick volunteer left speechless seconds before meeting top royal
Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow. A voluntary worker has revealed how she was left speechless... seconds before meeting HRH The Princess Royal to collect an award. Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow. The Princess Royal, who is the Patron of the charity, visited to celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025 as well as Victim Support Scotland's 40th anniversary. Margaret won the Volunteer Impact Award, having been nominated and voted on by VSS colleagues and service users. 'I couldn't believe it when my name was read out,' she said. 'I was truly speechless, which is most unlike me! 'And what an honour to be presented by The Princess Royal, I'm well chuffed.' Staff and volunteers were also praised for their long service, receiving awards for five years all the way up to an incredible 28 years as a volunteer and 35 as a staff member. The Princess Royal warmly addressed all attendees, commending them for the support offered to victims of all crimes across Scotland for the past 40 years, and for the many years to come. The festival focused on celebrating volunteering at VSS and the positive impact volunteers have on the lives of people impacted by crime. Staff and volunteers took part in workshops designed to improve wellbeing, communication, and mentoring skills. James Whyte, Head of Volunteering at Victim Support Scotland, said: 'It was a real treat for our volunteers to meet The Princess Royal, and we are incredibly grateful for the support she has shown as our Patron and the interest taken in the vital support we provide to people impacted by crime in Scotland. 'This festival focused on celebrating the amazing contribution of our volunteers and the staff who support them every day. 'Our volunteers are often supporting people going through the most difficult time in their lives, and at VSS we want to let them know that they are appreciated and valued - not only by the people we support, but by the entire organisation.' Victim Support Scotland is an independent, volunteer-led charity that provides emotional, practical, and trauma-informed support to individuals and families dealing with the impact of any type of crime in Scotland. Volunteers guide victims and witnesses through the court process, provide emotional support, signpost specialist services, or simply listen to people who often feel isolated and unheard in the criminal justice system. VSS has volunteers in communities across Scotland offering in-person support, alongside a helpline and webchat service that can provide support remotely. The other award winners were: Rachel Duncan - Spirit of VSS (Lochgelly) and Julie Farish - New Volunteer (Cumbernauld).
Scoop
25-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Celebrating Wellington's Volunteers At The Mahi Aroha Awards 2025
Volunteer Wellington | Te Puna Tautoko was proud to host the Mahi Aroha Awards 2025, a special event dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of volunteers across the Wellington region. The Mahi Aroha Awards shine a light on the people who generously give their time, skills, and passion to strengthen our communities. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding efforts of volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of others. This year, nominations were received from over 60 individuals and volunteer teams, representing a wide range of community organisations. The stories of these volunteers reflect the dedication, care, and aroha that are woven into the fabric of our community. The 2025 Award Categories: Greater Wellington Te Ao Māori Award Youth Volunteer Award Volunteer Team Award Mitre 10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award Congratulations to all our finalists and award recipients for 2025: Greater Wellington Te Ao Māori Award Winner: Dallas Vincent – Petone Rugby League Club Runner-up: Rikihana (Wiki) Samuel – Whānau Family Services Aspiring Walls Youth Volunteer Award Winner: Maverick Armanini – EveryBody is a Treasure Runner-up: Hamish Jamieson – YMCA Central Inc. Volunteer Team Award Mitre 10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Murray Gillon – Mary Potter Hospice Joint Runners-up: Manjit Grewal – Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust & Patrick Harlow – Youth Inspire These awards are held during National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of volunteering across Aotearoa. The Mahi Aroha Awards highlight the deep spirit of generosity that drives positive change in our region. Guests were entertained by our Matariki storyteller, Moria Wairama with music by Morehu Wairama. The guest speaker Dr Katie Bruce delivered a thoughtful and moving poem to volunteers Whiria te Tangata – Weaving the People Together. Volunteer Wellington | Te Puna Tautoko extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate a volunteer and to all those who continue to make Wellington a better place through their mahi aroha.
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Shocking moment golf star narrowly avoids disaster after throwing his club and nearly hitting a volunteer in head
Justin Thomas's round went from bad to worse at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship on Saturday. The 32-year-old had bounced back from the heartbreak of a missed cut at the US Open last week to put himself in contention in Connecticut. The American shot an opening three-under 67 and six-under 64 to sit tied for the lead alongside Tommy Fleetwood heading into Saturday's third round. However, Thomas's game swiftly imploded - and so did his frustrations. The day started off steady for Thomas as he plodded his way around TPC River Highlands at even par until he reached the par-five 13th. There, his round - and tournament - unraveled with an errant tee shot that he fired left out of bounds and onto the train tracks bordering the fairway. With his shot soaring into danger, Thomas flung his club about of his hands over his shoulder and in the direction of an unsuspecting volunteer. "FORE!" 🔊 Crazy club throw from Justin Thomas 😮 — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) June 21, 2025 While Thomas didn't intend to hit the volunteer, he had intentionally let go of his driver - rather than it slipping out of his hands. As soon as he realized how close he had come to disaster, Thomas immediately turned and apologized to the volunteer. However, he couldn't as easily repair the damage his wayward tee shot would do to his scorecard. After re-teeing, his third shot found the fairway but his fourth came up sortly and barely stayed dry, just managing to stay above the water in the round. His first chip attempt didn't have enough on it and trickled back down. He lined up again, only for the same thing to happen. He finally managed to chip it on with his seventh shot to within seven feet but his putt trundled past and Thomas walked off with a quadruple bogey nine. A bounceback birdie at 14 wasn't enough to salvage Thomas's round as he finished with a three-over 73 on the day, slipping a full ten shots back of Fleetwood's 16-under lead heading into the final round.
Axios
10-06-2025
- Axios
100 years later, Goodyear's blimps are still PR gold
After 100 years, the Goodyear blimp remains an icon of the skies. Why it matters: The airship doubles as one of the greatest promotional tools ever — for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron — as it captures aerial footage of the world's biggest sporting events. Flashback: Goodyear launched its aeronautics division in 1910 and constructed the Wingfoot Lake Hangar in Suffield (south of Akron) in 1917 to build airships for the U.S. Navy. The blimp program began in 1925 with the introduction of "Pilgrim" — the world's first helium-filled, non-rigid airship. The fleet grew over the next decade with the additions of Puritan (1928), Volunteer (1929), Mayflower (1929), Vigilant (1929), Defender (1929), Reliance (1931) and Resolute (1932). Between the lines: Beyond military applications, Goodyear executives hoped that wealthy Americans would adopt blimps for leisure and luxury travel — a kind of air yacht. Reality check: Today's blimps are used chiefly for public relations. Goodyear operates four of the world's 20. They are no longer technically "blimps," as they feature semi-rigid frames designed in partnership with Germany's Zeppelin. By the numbers: At 250 feet in length, each Goodyear airship is longer than a Boeing 747. They typically cruise at 30-40 miles per hour, with max speeds of over 70 miles per hour. The latest: Goodyear's three U.S.-based blimps converged on Northeast Ohio last week for the 100th Anniversary celebration. 💭 Sam's thought bubble: I got a glimpse of the trio flying over Akron's Canal Park at last Tuesday's RubberDucks game.
