- Recognizing Community Leaders: Defender has awarded six charitable organizations across the U.S. and Canada a custom Defender 130 vehicle, to further their ability to serve their communities
- Honoring Catalysts for Change: Organizations were recognized for their contributions across six categories, with category sponsors awarding $25,000 grants to the winners. The categories included Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach, presented by Hearts & Science; Community Services, presented by ei3; Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services, presented by PELICAN; Outdoor Accessibility & Education, presented by OUTSIDE Interactive Inc.; Animal, Wildlife & Marine Welfare, presented by Disney; and Defender Service Honorees
- Mission‑Driven Awards: The winners were announced in a ceremony at Destination Defender, a weekend adventure and lifestyle festival celebrating the Defender Community
- Empowering Organizations to Go Further: CHASE, the Presenting Partner for Defender Service Awards, donated $5,000 to each of the five finalists per category, totaling $150,000
Mahwah, NJ – November 25, 2024: The British adventure brand, Defender, continues to honor modern‑day heroes by announcing the six winners of the annual ‘Defender Service Awards’ presented by CHASE during a live ceremony at Destination Defender in Malibu, Calif. The event recognized the remarkable contributions of charitable organizations across the United States and Canada, honoring their dedication to community service and improvement.
The six award‑winning organizations will be gifted a customized Defender 130 SUV to support their steadfast dedication to aiding their local communities. Featuring three rows of seating accommodating up to eight volunteers, along with 88.9 cubic feet (2,156 liters) of load capacity, the Defender 130 will aid the six organizations to further their mission of service and build on the enduring legacy of Defender vehicles’ global philanthropic efforts. Each winning organization will have the opportunity to customize their new vehicle with purposeful Defender accessories, robust enough to support their unique demands, along with a personalized exterior vehicle wrap. The winning charitable organization will also receive a $25,000 grant from the respective category sponsors.
We’re thrilled to celebrate the winners of the fourth annual Defender Service Awards. This initiative is a representation of the heroic spirit and service‑oriented purpose that is at the root of the Defender brand. It is with great honor that we congratulate this year’s Defender Service Awards winners that exemplify these same values. We also extend our gratitude to all participating organizations, whose selfless contributions towards the betterment of their communities serve as a profound inspiration.
Sam Allen
Defender US Brand Director
As Presenting Partners, CHASE will honor $5,000 to each of the 30 category finalists during the 2024 Defender Service Awards, totaling a $150,000 donation. Second place finalists in each category were awarded $12,500, thanks to the generosity of premier sponsor S&P Global and additional sponsors. In total, the fourth annual Defender Service Awards has granted $375,000 in prize money thanks to our sponsors, empowering the organizations to continue creating a lasting influence in their community efforts.
We’re honored to present the 4th Annual Defender Service Awards, recognizing the sacrifice and dedication of charitable organizations across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada. JLR and Chase Auto have a shared commitment to help strengthen and uplift our communities, when one of us thrives, we all thrive.
Peter Muriungi
CEO of Chase Auto
The charitable organizations listed below have been acknowledged for outstanding community service efforts as well as exemplifying the Defender brand’s values. Based on the public votes, the six winners are as follows:
Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award, Presented by Disney
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (Cochrane, AB)
Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science
The Station Foundation (Bozeman, MT)
Community Service Award, Presented by ei3
Nathaniel’s Hope (Orlando, FL)
Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award, Presented by PELICAN
Linville‑Central Rescue Squad, Inc. (Newland, NC)
Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive Inc.
Pine River Institute (Toronto, ON)
Defender Service Awards Honoree Award
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge (Candler, NC)
The winners of the 2024 Defender Service Awards were presented during a live ceremony at Destination Defender, a three‑day adventure festival held at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California. The Defender community were encouraged to ‘embrace the impossible’ and actively participate in off‑roading driving courses, spartan racecourse, BMX and Skate Park track and high intensity fitness challenges. In addition, attendees enjoyed live musical performances, heritage exhibits of Defender vehicles, including The Royal Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II, cooking demonstrations, and more.
To learn more about the Defender brand, vehicles, and the Defender Service Awards Presented by CHASE, please visit: https://www.landroverusa.com/defender/index.html