Foundation Donates Two ‘National Favorite’ Vans to Serve Remote Communities in Pingtung

Two small vans are set to bring services directly into the narrow lanes and rural communities of Taiwan’s Pingtung County. Toyota Mobility Foundation, the Hota Pure Youth Social Welfare Foundation and Hotai Motor donated the vehicles as mobile welfare centers for older residents.

The vans, named “Zhutan” and “Fangliao,” were handed over in Zhutan Township. County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi praised the partners for moving resources into local communities, where service points could shift from waiting for residents to actively reaching them. She also announced that a third vehicle, “Donggang,” would be stationed in Pingtung after she sought additional support from the Hota foundation.

The Zhutan van will operate from the Zhutan Senior Citizens’ Recreation Center. It will carry equipment into villages and provide health promotion, support to delay disability, social participation activities and social welfare services based on local needs. The Fangliao van will work from the Fangliao Social Welfare Service Center, covering Fangliao Township and nearby communities. Its duties will include checking on older people who live alone, visiting disadvantaged and vulnerable families, protecting older residents and delivering supplies.

Chou said Pingtung had suffered heavy rain and losses in recent months, making the arrival of practical support especially welcome. Toyota’s Town Ace van, known for its flexible size and adaptable interior, can navigate community streets and rural roads. Some local vehicle enthusiasts call it a “national favorite,” while its Chinese nickname is “Tang A Shi.” TMF Secretary-General Takaki Ishikawa said the project reflected the foundation’s “Mobility for All” mission, bringing older people practical help through greater freedom of movement.

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Mobility for All