For decades, Defender has created legendary vehicles to take service workers on missions to help others, and now the Defender Service Awards Presented by Chase recognizes hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Since 2021, the program has awarded 24 customized Defender SUVs and more than $1 million. In total, 90-plus nonprofits have benefited, enabling them to improve and expand their services.

The entry period for the is now open, so if you work for a deserving nonprofit, know someone who does, or simply want to make sure your favorite charitable organization gets a shot, now is the time to act.

听embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern鈥慸ay hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance 鈥� taking performance and capability to another level on and off鈥憆oad. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover 鈥� a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world鈥憀eading off鈥憆oad capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.

The post Celebrating the Defender Service Awards appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

For more than 50 years, has been providing SAR services in Avery County and the surrounding region, with a team that includes first responders, certified rescue technicians, EMTs, paramedics, and K9s. They respond wherever needed鈥攅vacuating a hiker with a broken ankle, rescuing a climber stranded on a cliff, extricating a victim trapped by a car accident, searching for lost people, and more.

Fortunately, their job just got a little easier, thanks to the听 Presented by Chase. The Linville-Central Rescue Squad is one of the 90-plus deserving winners, earning the Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award in 2024.

Enter the 2025 Defender Service Awards

Know a nonprofit that could use a supercapable 4WD vehicle and $30,000 cash? The time is now to enter this mission-driven awards program.

Learn more at听.

听embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern鈥慸ay hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance 鈥� taking performance and capability to another level on and off鈥憆oad. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover 鈥� a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world鈥憀eading off鈥憆oad capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.

The post Linville-Central Rescue Squad Is Keeping Its Community Safe appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The entry period for the Presented by Chase is now open, so if you work for a deserving nonprofit, know someone who does, or simply want to make sure your favorite charitable organization gets a shot, now is the time to act.

听embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern鈥慸ay hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance 鈥� taking performance and capability to another level on and off鈥憆oad. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover 鈥� a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world鈥憀eading off鈥憆oad capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.

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When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in the fall of 2024, the damage was devastating. But while most people sought safety, members of the headed straight into the disaster zone. Technical training and long hours of practice enabled the all-volunteer team to provide critical response and support during the area鈥檚 catastrophic flooding.

The event was unprecedented, but Linville-Central鈥檚 search-and-rescue efforts should not have been a surprise. For more than 50 years, the group has been providing SAR services in Avery County and the surrounding region, with a team that includes first responders, certified rescue technicians, EMTs, paramedics, and K9s. They respond wherever needed鈥攅vacuating a hiker with a broken ankle, rescuing a climber stranded on a cliff, extricating a victim trapped by a car accident, searching for lost people, and more.

It鈥檚 all hero鈥檚 work, especially when you consider Linville-Central is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization. Plus, it鈥檚 operating in an area where the demand for search-and-rescue services keeps increasing, thanks to the growing number of people exploring the beautiful but rugged and technical terrain, with numerous mountain trails, waterfalls, and rock climbing destinations. Their service area includes parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Appalachian Trail, Lost Cove Wilderness, and the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area.

Fortunately, their job just got a little easier, thanks to the Presented by Chase. Now in its fifth year, the program honors the unsung heroes of our communities, the hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada that provide critical community support, like search-and-rescue services, veteran support, outdoor access, and animal welfare. Winners in six categories take home a Defender 130 SUV and $30,000 in prize money. That can be a game changer for a local nonprofit, and it鈥檚 just the latest incarnation of Defender鈥檚 legacy of supporting charitable organizations. For decades, Defender has created legendary vehicles to take service workers on missions to help others, and that continues with the Defender Service Awards. Since 2021, the program has awarded 24 customized Defender SUVs and more than $1 million to elevate mission-driven organizations that are strengthening their communities. In total, 90-plus nonprofits have benefited, enabling them to improve and expand their services.

The Linville-Central Rescue Squad is one of them, earning the Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award in 2024. 鈥淲hen we had to send a search team to a neighboring state to search high-angle terrain, the Defender 130 was the perfect vehicle,鈥� says Derick Calloway, director of the squad鈥檚 mountain rescue team. 鈥淚t transported the team and their technical gear and towed a UTV. One thing we learned from responding to Hurricane Helene is that we need more capable vehicles, and now we have one with the Defender 130. When the next flood comes, we know we鈥檒l be better prepared.鈥�

Christopher Brown, another Linville-Central volunteer EMT and member of the mountain rescue team, says the benefits of the Defender 130 are clear鈥攍ike having cameras all around the vehicle at the wheels to negotiate tight, technical terrain and crowded trailheads. But he also says they鈥檝e learned that the award is much greater than just winning the vehicle and the grant. 鈥淲e鈥檝e made valuable connections and received more exposure than ever before,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ven our own community hasn鈥檛 always known what we do. The Defender Service Awards has allowed us to tell our story to a huge audience. That helps Linville-Central Rescue Squad on so many levels.鈥�

Enter the 2025 Defender Service Awards

Know a nonprofit that could use a supercapable 4WD vehicle and $30,000 cash? The time is now to enter this mission-driven awards program.

Learn more at .

听embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern鈥慸ay hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance 鈥� taking performance and capability to another level on and off鈥憆oad. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover 鈥� a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world鈥憀eading off鈥憆oad capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.

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Search and rescue. Veterans support. Animal welfare. Outdoor access. These are some of the critical issues that strengthen communities and reflect our deepest-held values. The challenge? Nonprofits are often on the front line of supporting these causes, and to do their heroic work, they鈥檙e in need of resources and funding themselves.

Enter the Presented by Chase. Now in its fifth year, the program honors the unsung heroes of our communities with a Defender 130 SUV and $30,000 in prize money. That can be a game changer for a local nonprofit, and it鈥檚 just the latest incarnation of Defender鈥檚 legacy of supporting charitable organizations. For decades, Defender has created legendary vehicles to take service workers on missions to help others, and now the Defender Service Awards recognizes hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Since 2021, the program has awarded 24 customized Defender SUVs and more than $1 million. In total, 90-plus nonprofits have benefited, enabling them to improve and expand their services.

The entry period for the 2025 Defender Service Awards is now open, so if you work for a deserving nonprofit, know someone who does, or simply want to make sure your favorite charitable organization gets a shot, now is the time to act. Here鈥檚 how it works.

Registered charity organizations based in the United States and Canada in one of six categories (below) by July 25, 2025. Once finalists are selected, public voting determines the overall winners, which receive a Defender 130 and $30,000 in prize money. All 30 finalists, including winners, receive $5,000 each from Presenting Partner CHASE.

The 2025 categories are:

• Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award, Presented by Disney
• Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science
• Community Service Award, Presented by ei3
• Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award, Presented by Pelican
• Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, Presented by 国产吃瓜黑料 Interactive
• Defender Service Awards Honoree Award (for past finalists), Presented by S&P Global

What does winning mean for an organization? Just watch what past honorees have to say.

Ultimately, the Defender Service Awards are about expanding the ability of these nonprofits to serve their communities. That鈥檚 why the Defender 130 is such a beneficial prize. The three-row SUV transports up to eight volunteers, its generous cargo capacity听can be used to听haul critical gear or even animals,听and 4WD听helps access hard-to-reach locations.

Winners this year will be in good company. Just look at who took home top honors in 2024:

Inspired to see your favorite nonprofit on the list of winners for the 2025 Defender Service Awards? Find all entry details .

embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern鈥慸ay hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance 鈥� taking performance and capability to another level on and off鈥憆oad. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover 鈥� a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world鈥憀eading off鈥憆oad capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.

The post The 2025 Defender Service Awards Are Open! appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

How do you make the world a better place? Identify the organizations supporting their communities in meaningful ways, and help them do their work even better. That鈥檚 what the has been doing annually since 2021, and now you can join the effort by on the 2024 finalists.

Each year, the program rewards U.S. and Canadian nonprofits that give back to their communities in unique and effective ways, focusing on categories like veterans鈥� support and search and rescue operations. For the six category winners, it鈥檚 a game changer: they get a customized Defender 130, and five of them take home $25,000 each from the category sponsor. And there鈥檚 more: All 30 finalists, including the ultimate winners, receive a $5,000 prize courtesy of presenting sponsor CHASE. Since 2021, the program has gifted 18 customized Defenders and more than $700,000 in cash.

Hundreds of nonprofits submitted video applications for this year鈥檚 Defender Service Awards. The finalists鈥攆ive in each category鈥攏ow have a chance to make their case to you. Watch their videos, consider their mission and needs, and for your favorites by October 17. And yes, this is one contest where voting early and often is allowed鈥攜ou can vote once per day in all six categories. Below are the 2024 finalists, including those for the Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, sponsored by 国产吃瓜黑料. Find your favorites now!

Animal, Wildlife & Marine Welfare

Presented by Disney

These nonprofits protect those without a voice by supporting community shelters, wildlife rescue programs, and marine conservation.

FINALISTS

• Hickory Haven Fawn Rescue (Belton, SC)
• Lending Paws a Hand (Sanford, NC)
• Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles (San Pedro, CA)
• SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center (Washington Township, OH)
• Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (Cochrane, AB)

Community Services Award

Presented by ei3

This category awards nonprofits that help communities through food, shelter, and environmental programs.

FINALISTS

• Borderlands Restoration Network (Patagonia, AZ)
• Nathaniel鈥檚 Hope (Orlando, FL)
• No Child Hungry (Orlando, FL)
• Plastic Ocean Project (Wilmington, NC)
• San Diego Habitat Conservancy (San Diego, CA)

Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award

Presented by PELICAN

When accidents and natural disasters strike, these are the organizations that come to the rescue.听

FINALISTS

• Eur锚ka Recherche et Sauvetage (St-Etienne-des-Gr猫s, QC)
• Inyo County Search & Rescue (Bishop, CA)
• Kittitas County Search & Rescue (Ellensburg, WA)
• Linville-Central Rescue Squad Inc. (Newland, NC)
• Thurston County Unit Washington Explorer Search & Rescue (Lacey, WA)

Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award

Presented by鈥疕earts鈥�& Science

From veterans to firefighters to police officers and more, the heroes who protect others get much-needed support from these organizations.听

FINALISTS

• Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs (Williston, FL)
• Heroes Hope (Tulsa, OK)
• Northwest Battle Buddies (Battle Ground, WA)
• Team Red, White & Blue (Floyds Knobs, IN)
• The Station Foundation (Bozeman, MT)

Outdoor Accessibility & Education Award

Presented by 国产吃瓜黑料鈥疘nteractive Inc.

This category recognizes nonprofits on a mission to get everyone outside, because everyone deserves to benefit from the power of the outdoors.听

FINALISTS

• 国产吃瓜黑料s Without Limits (Forest Grove, OR)
• Bionic Project Inc. (Cambridge, MA)
• High Fives Foundation (Truckee, CA)
• Higher Ground (Ketchum, ID)
• Pine River Institute (Toronto, ON)

Defender Service Honorees Award

In an effort to put even more vehicles into the field doing mission-driven work, this category gives past finalists a second chance to win a customized Defender 130.听

HONOREES

• Appalachian Wildlife Refuge (Candler, NC)
• The Big Red Barn Retreat (Blythewood, SC)
• CoolxDad (Houston, TX)
• Enjoy Detroit (Detroit, MI)
• FeedMore WNY (Buffalo, NY)
• Forces of Nature Dance Theatre: Youth & Wellness Program (New York, NY)
• Great Basin K-9 SAR Inc. (Kamas, UT)
• Heroes Homestead (Spokane, WA)
• Kupu (Honolulu, HI)
• Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (North Charleston, SC)
• Midwest Animal ResQ (Raytown, MO)
• Missouri Search & Rescue K9 Unit (Blue Springs, MO)
• Overtown Youth Center (Miami, FL)
• TEXSAR (Wimberley, TX)
• West Place Animal Sanctuary (Tiverton, RI)

听embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable, and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110, and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. A beacon of liberty since 1948, Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover鈥攁 mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability. Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands, alongside Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar.

The post Vote Now on the 2024 Defender Service Awards appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Emily Fisher, executive director of听Youth Sports Alliance听(YSA), discusses the impact of winning听the Outdoor Accessibility and Education category of the 2023听Defender Service Awards听Presented by CHASE. Designed to support hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada, the award (which included a brand-new customized Defender 130) recognized YSA鈥檚 work helping kids of all backgrounds to experience the wonder and empowerment of outdoor sports, from mountain biking and sailing to skiing and snowboarding.

Defender embraces the impossible. A modern-day hero that anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110, and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. Learn more at .

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A few weeks ago, Emily Fisher was riding in a brand-new Defender 130 with a bunch of teenagers when she decided to run a quick poll. The question was simple: if it weren鈥檛 for getting a ride in this vehicle, would you be here? The kids thought for a minute. Then, one by one, they shook their heads.

Fisher is the executive director of (YSA), a nonprofit that helps get kids outside and improves access to sports programming in northern Utah. The teens she was with were participants of the learn-to-sail program YSA runs each spring. They came from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from longtime locals to recent immigrants from Venezuela. Several of the group were there on scholarship. If YSA hadn鈥檛 been able to give them a ride, they said, they鈥檇 probably be at home, scrolling on their phones; they had no other way to get to the lake.

鈥淭hese are students who would never have this opportunity if we couldn鈥檛 provide transportation,鈥� Fisher says. In fact, watersports of pretty much any kind would have remained out of reach.

That鈥檚 why YSA exists: to make sure local kids of all backgrounds can experience the wonder and empowerment of outdoor sports, from mountain biking and sailing to skiing and snowboarding. Much of YSA鈥檚 work involves awarding scholarships, lending gear, and shuttling kids to and from trailheads, put-ins, and ski destinations. This last piece鈥攖he transportation鈥攈as historically been the trickiest to provide. Which is where that customized new Defender comes in.

It鈥檚 a vehicle Fisher never imagined her small nonprofit owning鈥攍et alone receiving for free.

The Grand Prize

When Fisher first learned about the Defender Service Awards Presented by CHASE, she knew YSA had to apply. The competition is designed to support hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada. This year, it included an award category specifically for Outdoor Accessibility and Education. Fisher was sure YSA would be a perfect fit.

But the competition was fierce and the stakes were high. After a first round of internal selection and a second round of community voting, six winners would ultimately be awarded a total of $32,500 and a brand-new customized Defender 130. The money would be nice, of course, but Fisher had her eyes on that car.

At this point, YSA didn鈥檛 have a single vehicle to call its own鈥攑retty wild, considering that such a huge part of the nonprofit鈥檚 mission involves providing transportation.

鈥淎lmost every week, we鈥檙e picking up kids from four to five different schools and bringing them to sports programming across the Wasatch Range,鈥� Fisher says. During the 2023鈥�2024 school year alone, the nonprofit had to rent 234 vehicles. Each one cost $400 on average. Which meant a lot of the organization鈥檚 limited funds were going to transportation costs.

So, when the 2023 Defender Service Awards came along, Fisher and her team dropped everything to apply. It paid off: after weeks spent creating a video, galvanizing community support, and biting their nails during the intense public voting period, they won the grand prize. Last March, the check hit their bank account and the Defender landed on their doorstep.

鈥淚 still can鈥檛 believe we won it,鈥� Fisher says. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 feel real.鈥�

A Dream Come True

Every time Fisher steps into her office parking lot these days, she has to pinch herself. The new Defender 130 is custom wrapped, featuring YSA鈥檚 bold logo. The roof rack is fitted for skis, and the back tailgate sports a huge bike rack. The vehicle has eight seats, maximizing efficiency on each trip. The whole thing is rugged, kitted out, state of the art. It鈥檚 meticulously customized for YSA鈥檚 mission. It鈥檚 everything Fisher could have hoped for.

While the YSA team did host a few events to celebrate the vehicle鈥檚 arrival鈥攊ncluding a party at Deer Valley Ski Resort that was attended by Lindsey Vonn鈥攖hey mostly just focused on getting the vehicle integrated into their operation. They shook some hands, thanked their community, brought the car home, and got right to work.

The Hardest-Working Car in the Wasatch

Some days, YSA uses the Defender to cover three programs at once. The roomy cargo space easily fits heaps of life jackets and other gear for spring sailing courses, and the tailgate rack accommodates up to six bikes. On busy weekends, YSA uses the Defender to make up to 14 trips per day. Few SUVs work harder.

Having the car has already allowed YSA to dramatically cut back on its vehicle rentals. And since every dollar the nonprofit saves goes directly back into funding scholarships, that means tons more kids will be able to participate in programs this fall and winter.

鈥淩ight now, over the course of a four-week program, we鈥檙e saving $1,200 [by using the Defender in lieu of a rental],鈥� Fisher says. It costs YSA around $200 to fund a kid鈥檚 winter ski program, so that $1,200 in savings means six more kids will be able to ski on scholarship this year. The Defender is, quite literally, a gift that keeps on giving.

This winter, the vehicle will likely pay even greater dividends. Capable, reliable, and equipped with four-wheel drive, the car handles snowy mountain roads effortlessly.

鈥淚t鈥檚 funny鈥攊t鈥檒l be sunny all week, but it always seems to be super snowy every weekend we have to shuttle kids to our programs. It鈥檚 definitely winter driving up there,鈥� Fisher says. 鈥淭his car is really built for our environment, and we鈥檙e excited to have it to transport these kids safely.鈥�

A touch of amazement still lingers in Fisher鈥檚 voice when she says this, as if it all still seems too good to be true.

鈥淣o one gets into nonprofit work to make money. You don鈥檛 expect a lot of support鈥攜ou just do it because you鈥檙e passionate about it.鈥� Fisher says. 鈥淏ut then something like this happens. And it鈥檚 just been incredible.鈥�

To learn more about the Defender Service Awards Presented by CHASE or to nominate a worthy nonprofit in this year鈥檚 contest, visit .

Learn More About the Defender Service Awards

embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable, and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110, and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. A beacon of liberty since 1948, Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover鈥攁 mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability. Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands, alongside Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar.

The post How a Single Vehicle Changed the Game for This Nonprofit appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Some vehicles are so popular they have their own online forums. Others even have IRL followings. But the听听community takes fandom to a new level, gathering for an annual festival and celebrating the听 presented by CHASE, which support mission-driven nonprofits with cash and a customized Defender 130. Applications for the 2024 Defender Service Awards will be accepted from June 17 to July 29 (), and you can learn more about the 2023 winners below. But to really understand this unique awards program, you have to understand what makes the Defender鈥攁nd its passionate community鈥攕o unique.

Learn More About the Defender Service Awards

Each year, hundreds of Defender enthusiasts make the annual migration to , a weekend event where fans gather to enjoy a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. They compare models, join activities from mountain biking to off-road driving, and embrace the Defender 国产吃瓜黑料 Lifestyle. Add in some top-notch glamping, gourmet food and drink, and fireside jam sessions鈥攑lus the presentation of the Defender Service Awards鈥攁nd you鈥檝e got an event that fosters community听and celebrates the passion points of owners and enthusiasts. Sounds cool. But why Defenders?

The Defender Difference

The minute you step into a Defender, you can feel a deep sense of history. Slide into the driver鈥檚 seat, and you鈥檙e steeped in an over 75-year narrative of epic expeditions, life-saving missions, and exotic world travel. Touch the steering wheel, and you can almost feel the tingle of adrenaline jolting through your fingertips. But history isn鈥檛 everything.

Over the years, the vehicle has evolved into a machine that perfectly marries form and function and can handle the roughest terrain with comfort and style.

The legacy, the performance, the luxury鈥攖he formula inspires passion, which was on full display at the most recent Destination Defender, held in November at the Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas. Everywhere you looked, drivers were chatting, laughing, or smiling from ear to ear.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a super-welcoming event,鈥� says Jason Freer, a Virginia-based Defender owner. He said he went into it blind but was immediately struck by how adventurous, outdoorsy, and kind everyone was. That pretty much describes the Defender community in a nutshell, he adds.

It鈥檚 also a community that appreciates a refined experience. Every aspect of Destination Defender, from food to fitness activities, feels elevated. Everywhere you turn, it鈥檚 like you got a first-class upgrade, whether you鈥檙e testing yourself on the off-road driving course; trying your hand at biking, kayaking, or paddleboarding; or enjoying an evening of live music and gourmet food and drink.

Even today, Freer is still in touch with the friends he made at his first Destination Defender鈥攁nd he plans to reunite with them at the next one. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a great community event,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t really brings people together.鈥�

The Defender Service Awards

But perhaps the best part of the whole weekend is the awards ceremony that caps it all off. After all, Destination Defender isn鈥檛 just a festival鈥攊t鈥檚 also a celebration of service.

The Defender Service Awards program, now in its fourth year, rewards U.S. and Canadian nonprofits that give back to their communities in unique and effective ways. For the six category winners, it鈥檚 a game changer: they get a customized Defender 130 and $25,000 cash from the category sponsor. Finalists make out pretty well, too, with a $5,000 prize courtesy of presenting sponsor CHASE. And every year, those awards are presented at Destination Defender. Since 2021, the program has gifted 18 customized Defenders and more than $700,000 in cash.

Here鈥檚 how to enter the 2024 Defender Service Awards, plus a look at how the 2023 winners are putting their new Defender 130 to use.

How to Enter This Year鈥檚 Contest听

The Defender Service Awards are 鈥攚hich means your favorite nonprofit could have a chance to take home its own custom Defender 130 and a hefty cash prize. To enter, nonprofits based in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada simply submit a video making the case for why a Defender 130 will help them better achieve their mission. The awards committee will announce finalists in each of six categories. Those finalists will then enter a round of community voting to determine the winner. The six categories are:

• Animal, Wildlife, and Marine Welfare鈥擯resented by Disney
• Community Services Award鈥擯resented by ei3
• Search, Rescue, and Emergency Support Services Award鈥擯resented by PELICAN
• Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award鈥擯resented by鈥疕earts & Science
• Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award鈥擯resented by 国产吃瓜黑料鈥疘nteractive, Inc.
• Defender Service Honorees Award

Have a nonprofit you鈥檇 like to nominate? Learn more and enter to win at . The application period opens June 17 and closes July 29.

The 2023 Defender Service Award Winners

Squamish Search and Rescue Society, British Columbia

Search, Rescue, and Emergency Support Services Award, presented by PELICAN

When firefighters and police can鈥檛 reach the scene of a critical accident, they send in their secret weapon: . These dedicated volunteers venture into some of British Columbia鈥檚 most remote terrain to execute demanding technical rescues in all kinds of conditions. And now they鈥檒l be equipped to pull off those missions faster than ever.

鈥淲e鈥檒l be using the Defender as our hasty team vehicle,鈥� says Christy Allen, communications director of Squamish SAR. The 鈥渉asty team鈥� is the rapid response team鈥攖he light-and-fast crew dispatched to stabilize victims when the clock is ticking. Given the Defender 130鈥檚 off-road capabilities, high ground clearance, and four-wheel drive, it should give Squamish SAR the ability to blast through challenging terrain and reach accident victims even faster.

The group is due to receive their vehicle later this month鈥攁nd already has a party (and a few overland volunteer trainings) planned. 鈥淥ur entire community rallied behind us to vote in the Defender Service Awards,鈥� Allen says. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to celebrate with everyone and introduce Squamish to our new Defender.鈥�

Youth Sports Alliance, Utah

Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, presented by 国产吃瓜黑料 Interactive

Research shows that kids do better in life鈥攑hysically, emotionally, socially, and financially鈥攚hen they spend time outside. To that end, the provides year-round sports programs and scholarships for young athletes throughout northern Utah. Right now, they serve about 2,000 kids each year. And now that the group has its own Defender 130, they鈥檒l be able to serve even more.

鈥淗aving the vehicle has been a game changer,鈥� says Emily Fisher, executive director of YSA, nodding to the Defender 130鈥檚 outstanding cargo space and roomy interior. 鈥淲e鈥檝e already used it to transport bikes to trailheads and kids to programs鈥攁nd we鈥檙e saving up to $300 in vehicle rental costs per day.鈥� The group, which didn鈥檛 have any of its own fleet vehicles before this, has already saved thousands of dollars over the past few months鈥攚hich it plans to funnel right back into scholarships for kids. Come winter, the vehicle鈥檚 four-wheel drive, powerful engine, and smooth handling will also be put to good use: YSA plans to use it to transport kids and skis up and down the Wasatch Mountains for their signature ski program.

Kairos 国产吃瓜黑料s, Florida

Community Services Award, presented by ei3

Florida-based uses art, performance, and music to help differently abled participants find their talents鈥攁nd their confidence. Participants then use those newfound gifts to give back to their own communities, volunteering at nursing homes, animal shelters, and food banks. It鈥檚 a great full-circle system with only one issue: in the past, transporting participants to community centers and events has been a challenge. But given the Defender鈥檚 eight-person capacity, that鈥檚 now a thing of the past.

鈥淗aving the Defender has been incredible,鈥� says Heather Subbert, executive director of Kairos 国产吃瓜黑料s. Already, participants have used it to pick up donated food, make food pantry deliveries, transport medical equipment to community centers, and supply food to families living with disability. 鈥淚n case you were wondering,鈥� Subbert adds, 鈥測ou absolutely can fit 1,000 hot dog buns in the back of a Defender.鈥� You can also fit a full wheelchair鈥攚hich makes their new ride as inclusive as it is swanky.

Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, Manitoba

Animal, Wildlife, and Marine Welfare Award, presented by Disney

Manitoba鈥檚 winters are notoriously harsh鈥攁nd crises don鈥檛 take the winter off. That means Manitoba Underdogs volunteers have to be able to travel safely through snow and cold to reach dogs in distress, says Jessica Hansen, executive director of . The solution: the group鈥檚 brand-new Defender 130. With its adjustable suspension and four-wheel-drive traction, the custom vehicle will ensure rescuers can reach dogs in need in all conditions. 鈥淭he Defender鈥檚 first mission will be heading five hours up north with a team of volunteers and a vet this June,鈥� says Hansen. There, they鈥檒l visit remote northern communities and provide an estimated 200 vaccinations to dogs in need. 鈥淸Getting the vehicle] has been an incredible journey,鈥� Hansen says. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to get to work.鈥�

Honour House Society, British Columbia

Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award, presented by Hearts and Science听

In the past, when Canadian veterans came to Vancouver for medical treatment, they struggled to find an affordable place to stay. Now, they can reside at , a free refuge that houses patients and their families. And at nearby Honour Ranch, veterans can get free PTSD treatment on a 120-acre refuge surrounded by quiet forest. But accessing and managing the ranch requires a dependable all-conditions vehicle, which the nonprofit hasn鈥檛 had鈥攗ntil now.

With the Defender 130, volunteers will be able to access the remote buildings, perform repairs, and transport veterans to and from the ranch. They also couldn鈥檛 have timed the Defender鈥檚 arrival any better, adds Curt Appleby, the nonprofit鈥檚 assistant executive director. Right now, British Columbia is prepping for its upcoming fire season.

鈥淲e expect it to be the worst in recent history,鈥� Appleby says. Fortunately, several of Honour Ranch鈥檚 veterans and volunteers are trained in firefighting and will be able to use the vehicle to protect the ranch and its grounds. 鈥淭he vehicle will be capable of supporting efforts to pump water from various creeks and reach remote areas to extinguish smaller start-up fires,鈥� Appleby says. 鈥淚f we hear about it, and we can get to it, we鈥檒l be there.鈥�

Charleston Animal Society, South Carolina

Defender Service Award Honoree

Hundreds of hardworking nonprofits apply to the Defender Service Awards program every year鈥攚hich makes it ridiculously difficult to pick just a few winners. So, to give folks one more shot at the prize, Defender launched a new category in 2023 specifically for previous finalists. This year, , the first-ever animal welfare organization in South Carolina, took home the prize. They received their custom Defender 130 this February and have already taken it to a number of community events, where it鈥檚 helping the nonprofit share their mission in a big way.

Having a good-looking vehicle with a custom wrap 鈥渉as brought new exposure to Charleston Animal Society,鈥� says Kay Hyman, senior director of community engagement. The vehicle also couldn鈥檛 have arrived at a better time. Much of Charleston Animal Society鈥檚 work involves rescuing animals from disaster zones鈥攚hich means tricky travel through rugged, remote terrain. Fortunately, those are conditions the Defender 130 is uniquely equipped to handle.

鈥淎s we head into disaster season this summer, we鈥檙e grateful to have [the Defender] to help us respond to animals in crisis,鈥� Hyman says.

embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable, and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110, and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. A beacon of liberty since 1948, Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover鈥攁 mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability. Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands, alongside Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar.

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Overwhelming evidence shows that active kids do better in life鈥攑hysically, emotionally, socially, and financially. That鈥檚 why Utah-based Youth Sports Alliance is committed to helping all kids experience the outdoors. With the Defender 130, that job gets a lot easier, says Executive Director Emily Fisher. 鈥淏eing able to offer transportation and move mountain bikes, skis, and other gear removes a significant barrier to participation,鈥� says Fisher.

Defender embraces the impossible. A modern-day hero that anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110, and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. Learn more at .

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