- The Defender brand proudly awarded a customized Defender 130 vehicle and $30,000 to each of the six charitable organizations across the US and Canada, enhancing their ability to support their local communities
- The winners were revealed during a special ceremony at Destination Defender, a weekend adventure in Temecula, California, celebrating the Defender community
- Award winners were announced across six categories, each benefiting from the capability and capacity of a Defender 130 SUV
- As the Presenting Partner of the Defender Service Awards, CHASE contributed $5,000 to each of the 30 category finalists, resulting in a total donation of $150,000
- Premier Partner Artemis donated $100,000 and Category Sponsors Disney, ei3, Hearts & Science, Outside Interactive Inc, Pelican and S&P Global Mobility donated $30,000 to help further aid worthy charitable organizations
Mahwah, NJ – Monday November 17, 2025: Defender, the original British adventure brand, proudly revealed the six inspiring winners of the 2025 Defender Service Awards, presented by CHASE. The announcement was made during a live ceremony at Destination Defender, hosted at Galway Downs in Temecula Valley, California. The event celebrated nonprofit and charitable organizations that exemplify unwavering dedication to their communities, recognizing their impactful service and commitment to making a difference.
Each of the six winning organizations will be gifted a customized Defender 130 vehicle, purpose‑built to support their local communities and advance their missions. With seating for up to eight volunteers across three rows, 8,200 lbs. of towing capacity and 88.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the Defender 130 vehicle is designed to make a difference. Each Defender 130 vehicle will be further personalized to reflect the organization’s unique mission, featuring a custom exterior wrap and mission‑specific accessories. Winners also received $30,000 in funding to help further serve those in need.
We are honored to celebrate the winners of the fifth annual Defender Service Awards. These organizations represent the very best of what it means to serve others – embodying the Defender brand’s legacy of humanitarian efforts. We are inspired by their work and grateful to all who participated, each making a meaningful difference in the lives they support
Sam Allen
US Brand Director, Defender
As Presenting Partner, CHASE awarded $5,000 to each of the 30 category finalists during the 2025 Defender Service Awards, contributing a total of $150,000 in support. Thanks to the generosity of Premier Partner Artemis and additional sponsors, second‑place finalists were also recognized with $10,000 each for their outstanding efforts. In total, the fifth annual Defender Service Awards distributed $390,000 in prize funding.
It’s a privilege to celebrate these vital nonprofit organizations through the Defender Service Awards, shining a light on their selfless work and dedication. At Chase, we are honored to support their journey and remain committed to building stronger, more resilient communities – because together, we make a lasting impact.
Leslie Wims Morris
CEO of Chase Auto
The following nonprofit and charitable organizations have been honored for their outstanding dedication to bettering their communities and exemplifying the core values of the Defender brand. After a nationwide public vote, one winner was selected from each award category:
Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award, Presented by Disney
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society – Vancouver, BC
Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science
Jason’s Box – Paris, KY
Community Service Award, Presented by ei3
Feeding Northeast Florida – Jacksonville, FL
Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award, Presented by PELICAN
Chilliwack Search & Rescue – Chilliwack, BC
Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive Inc.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada – Dorval, QC
Defender Service Awards Honoree Award, Presented by S&P Global Mobility
West Place Animal Sanctuary – Tiverton, RI
The winners of the 2025 Defender Service Awards were celebrated during a live ceremony at Destination Defender, a three‑day adventure‑themed event held at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. Attendees were invited to “embrace the impossible” through experiences that showcased the Defender brand’s spirit of resilience and exploration. Guests also enjoyed entertainment, local cuisine and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Defender community.
ENDS