Celebrating Community Heroes: The 2024 Defender Service Awards
In a world where true heroes often work quietly behind the scenes, the Defender Service Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on organizations making profound differences in their communities. This year, Defender honoured six remarkable charities across North America with customized Defender 130 vehicles, recognizing their dedication to service and impact.
Recognizing Extraordinary Efforts
The 2024 Defender Service Awards, presented by CHASE, celebrated organizations working across diverse categories:
Animal, Wildlife & Marine Welfare Award (Presented by Disney): Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (Cochrane, AB)
Community Services Award (Presented by ei3): Nathaniel's Hope (Orlando, FL)
Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award (Presented by PELICAN): Linville-Central Rescue Squad, Inc. (Newland, NC)
Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award (Presented by Hearts & Science): The Station Foundation (Bozeman, MT)
Outdoor Accessibility & Education Award (Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc.): Pine River Institute (Toronto, ON)
Defender Service Honorees Award: Appalachian Wildlife Refuge (Candler, NC)
Notably, two of the honoured organizations are based in Canada, showcasing the international impact of these awards.
Each organization received a customized Defender 130, purpose-built to support its missions. These vehicles, featuring three rows of seating and a generous cargo capacity of 88.9 cubic feet, will empower the organizations to expand their services. They will also be customized with practical accessories and personalized wraps, ensuring they meet each recipient's unique needs.
More Than Just Vehicles
In addition to the vehicles, each winner received a $25,000 grant from their respective category sponsor, while finalists were awarded $5,000 each, totalling $150,000 in support from CHASE. Thanks to S&P Global and other sponsors, second-place finalists also received $12,500 prizes, totalling $375,000.
A Weekend to Remember
To honour these community leaders, Defender hosted a Winner's Weekend from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at the iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. This celebration unveiled the customized vehicles and recognized the impactful work of the honorees. Defender gave special attention to local heroes, Linville-Central Rescue Squad and Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, who played a vital role in rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene in late 2024.
In addition to celebrating the winners, attendees had the unique opportunity to explore the historic Biltmore Estate and Castle, immersing in the grandeur and history of one of America's most iconic landmarks.
A Legacy of Service
Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
"The 'Defender Service Awards' are a beloved initiative we are proud to bring back for a third year. Celebrating the organizations that make a difference in our communities speaks to the core of the Defender brand – that it is most powerful when it's on a mission to help others."
Defender's commitment to service and resilience is evident through this ongoing program, ensuring that these vehicles serve and symbolize strength and solidarity.
Continuing the Journey
The Defender Service Awards highlight the profound connection between vehicles and communities, proving that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things with the proper support. This initiative empowers organizations and fosters deeper community resilience across North America.
Disclaimer: JLR/Defender covered travel, accommodations, and meals for our trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
