- Land Rover's relationship with the British Red Cross and subsequently the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), goes back to 1954. Land Rover's support for the Red Cross and Red Crescent's work worldwide includes the loan and donation of 120 vehicles bringing help and support to over 900,000 people
- Land Rover's work with the IFRC will contribute to Jaguar Land Rover's overall company's goal of creating opportunities through the Global Corporate Social Responsibility programme, for 12 million people by 2020
- Land Rover's all‑terrain capabilities are able to help Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies access remote, vulnerable communities which would otherwise be difficult to reach
It has been 60 years since Land Rover first began an association with the British Red Cross, and subsequently the IFRC.
The partnership was first forged in 1954, when Land Rover supplied a Series 1 Land Rover 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 120 vehicles and the provision of direct help to over 900,000 people.
As well as celebrating 60 years since the relationship first began, this year the IFRC also celebrates over 150 years of humanitarian work. The celebration included a Royal Garden Party at BuckinghamPalace, supported by Land Rover.
In 2008 Land Rover celebrated its 60th birthday by donating 60 vehicles to the Red Cross. These vehicles were distributed across the globe where they delivered vital supplies and emergency response to those in need.
One of the key projects of the partnership was the "Journey of Discovery" expedition in 2012. Land Rover made the a Uganda Red Cross sustainable water and sanitation project in Uganda the focus of an ambitious fund‑raising activity to complete a 8,000‑mile expedition to Beijing. This journey was completed by the one millionth Land Rover Discovery, which was built at Solihull, the home of Land Rover. The 50‑day journey succeeded in its target of generating £1 million for the project and raising awareness of the vital work being done by the IFRC in the areas of water and sanitation.
To date the money has helped create seven new boreholes, provide essential education in personal hygiene and sanitation, train volunteers and publish information material. The project will provide direct help to more than 45,000 and indirectly benefit a further 66,000.
Mark Cameron, Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, said: "We at Land Rover are proud of our long association with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Earlier this year we committed to continue our support of the excellent work it does to bring help and relief to people in need by extending our partnership for a further five years.
"By working together through Jaguar Land Rover's new Global Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, the IFRC is contributing towards the creation of opportunities for 12 million people in our local and global communities by 2020, combining specialist knowledge, innovation and shared expertise. The partnership will help to achieve 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 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies access remote territories that would otherwise be hard to reach. This is often where the most vulnerable people are and therefore need support."
Olaug Bergseth, Strategic Partnerships Manager, IFRC, said: "Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World is a unique partnership. To have such an effective, longstanding partnership with one of the world's most iconic brands makes us very proud, and we look forward to seeing the initiative develop to reach more communities around the world, which need both long‑term support and help during times of disaster and emergency."
For further information log onto www.media.landrover.com or contact:
Lydia Haley
Senior Press Officer
02476 564147/07730923504
lhaley1@jaguarlandrover.com
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
