70 Years of Humanitarian Excellence: Defender and British Red Cross Partnership

Defender Marks 70 Years of Landmark Humanitarian Charity Partnership with British Red Cross

A Year of Celebration: 70 Years of Defender's Humanitarian Partnership

Defender celebrates one of the longest-standing charity partnerships of its kind in the world – Land Rover’s 70-year association with the British Red Cross. This significant milestone underscores Defender’s enduring commitment to supporting communities in crisis through its collaboration with the British Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Proven Provenance: The Roots of Defender

Defender can trace its roots back to the very first Series Land Rovers, which began working with the British Red Cross in 1954. These vehicles, renowned for their durability and versatility, were adapted to serve as mobile dispensaries in challenging environments. This partnership began in the deserts of Dubai, marking the start of a long and impactful relationship.

Historical Moment: New Flagship Project in Italy

Defender marks its anniversary with a new flagship project in Italy, where the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was born 160 years ago. To commemorate this milestone, a specially equipped Defender 130 emergency response vehicle, fitted with advanced satellite communications equipment, has been handed over to the Italian Red Cross. This vehicle will enhance the ability to respond to environmental emergencies by ensuring continuous, nationwide connectivity, even in the most hard-to-reach, disaster-hit locations.

Emergency Response: Enhanced Capabilities with Defender 130

The new Defender 130, modified with the support of Italian Red Cross specialists, is designed to handle extraordinary emergencies. The vehicle is equipped with a satellite dish mounted on its roof, providing robust communication capabilities during cellular network outages caused by environmental disasters like floods and mudslides. Additionally, it features a winch and tow hook, leveraging Defender 130 Outbound’s 3,000kg towing capacity to assist in recovery operations.

Lasting Impact: A Humanitarian Legacy

Over the past 70 years, the combined humanitarian efforts of Defender and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have positively impacted more than two million lives in over 50 countries. This enduring partnership has demonstrated the power of collaboration in providing vital assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide.

Celebrating a Landmark Partnership

Defender will celebrate this landmark moment through various celebrations and fundraising initiatives. Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, reflects on the partnership’s achievements: “What started in the deserts of Dubai and forest villages of Kenya in 1954 has become part of our DNA. Together, we provide vital assistance for humanity, often when the tarmac runs out and in the harshest of conditions. I hope we will still be helping those most in need for another seven decades.”

Global Humanitarian Efforts

UK: Supporting Communities Across the Nation

In the UK, Defender collaborates with British Red Cross teams to support communities affected by extreme weather and emergencies such as house fires and power cuts. Last year, a specially adapted Defender 130 emergency response vehicle was donated to North Wales, demonstrating Defender's commitment to local humanitarian efforts.

Nepal: Building Resilience in Disaster-Prone Regions

In Nepal, a global hotspot for natural disasters, Defender supports communities across eight at-risk regions through the Nepal Red Cross Society. These projects aim to increase community resilience by preparing for disasters, benefiting over 15,000 households in two years.

Italy: Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities

Defender funding in Italy supports the training of hundreds of volunteers and the provision of essential equipment for search and rescue operations. This initiative ensures that Red Cross and Red Crescent personnel are ready to deliver support whenever and wherever needed.

Australia: Empowering Local Emergency Response Teams

In Australia, Defender supports disaster resilience efforts in New South Wales. The partnership with the Australian Red Cross focuses on training community response teams in disaster-prone areas, empowering over 4,000 people to manage local emergencies effectively.

Switzerland: Training Rapid Deployment Search Dogs

Since April 2023, Defender has supported the REDOG search and rescue organisation, part of the Swiss Red Cross. This partnership has trained 400 team members and deployed 23 dog teams, enhancing search and rescue capabilities in Switzerland and beyond.

Morocco: Responding to Earthquakes and Emergencies

Defender vehicles are currently deployed in Morocco, supporting disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake. This initiative underscores Defender's role in providing crucial assistance during emergencies.

Defender’s Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a fleet of 27 Defenders was deployed with the British Red Cross to deliver medicine and food to vulnerable people across the UK. Globally, 267 Defenders supported the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, highlighting Defender's adaptability and commitment to humanitarian causes.

Conclusion

Defender’s 70-year partnership with the British Red Cross stands as a testament to what can be achieved through enduring commitment and collaboration. As Defender continues to support communities in crisis worldwide, the impact of this partnership is set to grow even further.

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