• Land Rover has committed to extend its partnership, 'Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World' with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for a further five years, aiming to raise £15 million.
• Established in 1954, the relationship, which initially started with the British Red Cross, has seen Land Rover supporting the IFRC's work worldwide, including the loan and donation of over 120 vehicles, bringing help and support to almost two million vulnerable people.
• Land Rover's work with the IFRC will contribute to Jaguar Land Rover's overall company goal of creating opportunities for 12 million people by 2020 through its Global Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
• Land Rovers' all‑terrain capabilities are able to help the IFRC access remote, vulnerable communities which would otherwise be hard to reach.

Whitley, UK, January 13th 2014 ‑ Land Rover is pleased to announce it is to continue its Global Humanitarian Partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for a further five years.

The renewed commitment to work with the organisation will see Land Rover building on the success of a partnership first forged in 1954, when Land Rover supplied a Series 1 Defender to the British Red Cross in Dubai as a mobile dispensary.  The relationship was further cemented in 2007, as part of the development of Land Rover's G4 Challenge. Since then its worldwide achievements include the loan and donation of over 120 vehicles. Land Rover and the IFRC launched the initiative 'Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World' in 2010, which has provided direct help to more than 800,000 people, and more than one million people indirectly.

IFRC Under Secretary Joelle Tanguy said: "The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is delighted that the long‑standing global partnership with Land Rover has been extended for five more years.

"Together we can set up new initiatives and accelerate the reach of, for example, water and sanitation programmes that already support thousands of people. We will grow the partnership so it reaches more many more beneficiaries in vulnerable communities around the world."

Mark Cameron, Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, said: "We are proud to continue our support of the IFRC and the excellent work it does to bring help and relief to people in need. As a business we are committed to bringing positive change to the lives of 12 million people by 2020 and our Global Humanitarian Partnership is a key element in achieving this goal, delivering practical, sustainable help to communities and individuals worldwide. 

With the use of Land Rover vehicles we are also able to help the IFRC access remote territories that would otherwise be hard to reach.  This is often where the most vulnerable people are and, therefore, need support."

In 2012 Land Rover made the IFRC's sustainable water and sanitation project in Uganda the focus of the most ambitious fundraising activity in the company's history; a 10,000‑mile expedition to Beijing undertaken by the one millionth Land Rover Discovery to be built at Land Rover's historic Solihull plant. The 50‑day journey succeeded in its target of generating £1 million for the project, and raising awareness of the vital work carried out by the Red Cross.

In Uganda the money has so far helped create seven new boreholes, provided essential education in personal hygiene and sanitation, trained volunteers and publish information material. The project continues to provide direct help to more than 22,000 people.

Over the next five years Land Rover will continue its commitment to help the IFRC reach thousands more vulnerable people. By bringing together specialist knowledge, innovation and expertise, the ambitious, multi‑million pound partnership will provide essential support to improve lives around the world.

Under the banner Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World, Land Rover and IFRC will be working together in countries including Austria, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal and South Sudan to deliver a diverse range of humanitarian initiatives, including water and sanitation, health and social care and disaster response.

ENDS

For further information log onto www.media.landrover.com or contact:
Lydia Haley
Senior Press Officer, Land Rover
02476 564147/07730923504
lhaley1@jaguarlandrover.com

Laura Hinks
Fundraising Communications Manager, British Red Cross
0207 877 7524
lhinks@redcross.org.uk

Editors Note:

‑         Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors. Land Rover products are currently sold in approximately 180 global markets.

‑         For further information about 'Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World', please visit:
www.redcross.org.uk/landrover , www.ifrc.org  or www.landrover.co.uk. 

‑         The IFRC is the world's largest volunteer‑based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 189 member National Societies. It acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions.

Its strength lies in its volunteer network, community‑based expertise and independence and neutrality. The IFRC works to improve humanitarian standards, as partners in development and in response to disasters. It persuades decision makers to act at all times in the interests of vulnerable people. The result: the IFRC enables healthy and safe communities, reduces vulnerabilities, strengthens resilience and fosters a culture of peace around the world.

‑       The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives. www.redcross.org.uk