DEFENDER ANNOUNCES 2023 “DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS” FINALISTS, HONORING MODERN-DAY HEROES 

15 September 2023

Defender has announced the five finalists for each category of the third annual Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE. 

  • Honoring modern‑day heroes: Continuing a legacy of humanitarian work, Defender has announced the finalists of the 2023 Defender Service Awards 
  • Embrace the power of a vote: Public voting is open from September 15, through October 4, and will ultimately determine the winning organizations 
  • Ultimate capability: Six winners, based on public vote, will be awarded a custom, new Defender 130 and $25,000 from category sponsors, including Hearts & Science, PELICAN, OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc., ei3 and ANIMAL PLANET 
  • Monetary awards for all finalists: Thanks to the Defender Service Awards Presenting Partner CHASE, $5,000 will be awarded to each of the 30 category finalists. An addition $2,500 will be awarded by the Premier Sponsor, Warner Bros. Discovery, to help finalists achieve more 
  • Defender heroism: The winners of the 2023 Defender Service Awards will be announced on November 11, at Destination Defender. Encouraging guests to embrace the impossible, this weekend celebration of the Defender lifestyle will take place in Somerville, Texas from November 10‑12 
  • Take action now: To view the videos of the all the category finalists and vote for your category favorite, visit Defender Service Awards: https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/defender‑service‑awards/index.html 

MAHWAH, N.J. – September 15, 2023 – Defender has always embraced the impossible, opening new horizons for humanitarian work on every continent. Inspired by this enduring commitment and recognizing those who embody its spirit, Defender announced the five finalists for each category of the third annual “Defender Service Awards” presented by CHASE.  The 25 U.S. non‑profits and Canadian registered charities are recognized for making a positive impact in their local communities and embodying the ethos of Defender as a beacon of liberty. 

Capability to navigate further, capacity to transport more volunteers and the spirit to achieve more are what is in store for the ultimate winners of the Defender Service Awards. The six winning organizations will each receive a fully customized Defender 130 and awarded $25,000 by their category sponsor, empowering them to further their respective missions.  Featuring three rows of seating for up to eight volunteers, along with 88.9 cubic feet (2,516 liters) of load capacity, the Defender 130 will empower these organizations on their mission of service. The winners will collaborate with the Defender team to fully outfit their vehicle with robust Defender accessories, required to meet the challenges of the organization’s mission, along with a custom exterior vehicle wrap. 

Corporate partners have joined this initiative to provide further support for the respective organizations across the different categories. CHASE, as presenting sponsor, will donate $5,000 to each of the five finalists per category, for a total of $150,000. As a Premier Sponsor, Warner Bros. Discovery will contribute $75,000, awarding $2,500 to each of the category finalists. Category sponsors include OUTSIDE Interactive Inc., ei3, PELICAN, Hearts & Sciences and ANIMAL PLANET and will donate $25,000 to the ultimate winners.  

Through their compassionate acts of service and integrity, it is with great honor that we recognize these organizations that embody the heroism of Defender. The Defender ethos is centered around achieving the impossible with a focus on giving back, and these organizations are nothing short of that. We are proud to celebrate their extraordinary achievements and dedication to their missions.

Charlotte Blank
US Chief Marketing Officer, Jaguar Land Rover North America

Public voting will take place from Friday, September 15, through Wednesday, October 4, to determine the ultimate winners of the six categories of the 2023 Defender Service Awards. To view the finalist videos and vote, please visit Defender Service Awards at https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/defender‑service‑awards/index.html  

The finalists across five categories are:  

Animal, Wildlife and Marine Mammal WelfareAward, Presented by Animal Planet 

Veterans and Civil ServantOutreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science 

Community ServiceAward, Presented by ei3 

Search, Rescue and Emergency Services Award, Presented by Pelican 

Outdoor Accessibility and EducationAward, Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive Inc 

A sixth category has been added to the 2023 Defender Service Awards, celebrating 2021 and 2022 Defender Service Awards Honorees. Over 20 previous awards finalists resubmitted their entries for this category, with all going direct for public vote. Their heroism and service to their communities is commendable and this award category provides a second chance for them to win a new Defender 130. 

The winning organization from each category will be announced at this year’s Defender Service Awards at Destination Defender, presented by CHASE. Encouraging participants to embrace the impossible, the weekend celebration will take place from November 10‑12, at Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas, and will feature Defender experiences that channel the adventurous spirit of the brand. 

To learn more about the 2023 Defender Service Awards, please visit https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/defender‑service‑awards/index.html  

Further information

Notes to Editors

About Defender

Defender 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 – a 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.

Important notice
JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates.