In the town of Bendigo, Australia, Travis and Donna Holt have made healthcare accessibility the cornerstone of their philanthropic work. As the leaders of Bendigo Ford and 2026 Ford Salute to Dealers honorees, the Holts have championed initiatives that bring medical technology to their region.

This global award from Ford Motor Company recognizes dealer principals who go above and beyond for their communities, and the Holts’ efforts to help fund a da Vinci Xi surgical robot for St. John of God Hospital have ensured that local families no longer have to travel long distances for critical care.

“We have experienced firsthand how much small acts of support changed the way we see helping others,” said the Holts. “It stopped being something you do occasionally and became something you live every day.”

Their commitment to the region is visible in the annual Bendigo Ford Fun Run, which has raised significant funds for neurology, cancer care, and mental health services. The Holts also invest in the future of local youth through partnerships with the Red Energy Basketball Arena and provide food donations and financial support to families facing hardship through Bendigo Family & Financial Services. For Travis and Donna, these engagements are more than sponsorships; they are partnerships designed to ensure no one in the Bendigo region is left behind.

Can you recall the very first time you felt the impact of helping someone?

Travis and Donna Holt: We probably didn’t recognize it as “community impact” at the time, but it started early in family-run businesses. The moment it truly became real was later, when we became parents and began navigating life with a child with disability. Seeing those small acts of support changed everything.

What is the most rewarding part of seeing your dealership employees rally together for a local cause?

Travis and Donna Holt: Seeing our team genuinely care. When they come together for a cause, it reinforces that the business is more than just cars. It’s rewarding to watch people take ownership of something that matters and feel proud of what they’ve achieved together. That sense of shared purpose carries back into our workplace.

For a young person who wants to help but doesn’t know where to start, what is the first small step you would recommend?

Travis and Donna Holt: Start close to home. Look at what’s around you — your school, workplace, sporting club, or neighborhood — and ask where help is needed. Volunteering for a few hours or simply showing up consistently can make a real difference. Small steps build confidence, and over time, those actions add up to meaningful change.

For 26 years, Ford has celebrated the extraordinary contributions of its dealers through Salute to Dealers. Congratulations and thank you to all eight of the 2026 honorees for their commitment to service.