MAHWAH, N.J. (September 15, 2023) – Defender has always embraced the impossible, opening new horizons for humanitarian work on every continent. Inspired by this enduring commitment and recognizing those who embody its spirit, Defender announced the five finalists for each category of the third annual “Defender Service Awards” presented by CHASE.  The 25 U.S. non-profits and Canadian registered charities are recognized for making a positive impact in their local communities and embodying the ethos of Defender as a beacon of liberty.

Capability to navigate further, capacity to transport more volunteers and the spirit to achieve more are what is in store for the ultimate winners of the Defender Service Awards. The six winning organizations will each receive a fully customized Defender 130 and awarded $25,000 by their category sponsor, empowering them to further their respective missions.  Featuring three rows of seating for up to eight volunteers, along with 88.9 cubic feet (2,516 liters) of load capacity, the Defender 130 will empower these organizations on their mission of service. The winners will collaborate with the Defender team to fully outfit their vehicle with robust Defender accessories, required to meet the challenges of the organization’s mission, along with a custom exterior vehicle wrap.  

Corporate partners have joined this initiative to provide further support for the respective organizations across the different categories. CHASE, as presenting sponsor, will donate $5,000 to each of the five finalists per category, for a total of $150,000. As a Premier Sponsor, Warner Bros. Discovery will contribute $75,000, awarding $2,500 to each of the category finalists. Category sponsors include OUTSIDE Interactive Inc., ei3, PELICAN, Hearts & Sciences and ANIMAL PLANET and will donate $25,000 to the ultimate winners.   

“Through their compassionate acts of service and integrity, it is with great honor that we recognize these organizations that embody the heroism of Defender. The Defender ethos is centered around achieving the impossible with a focus on giving back, and these organizations are nothing short of that. We are proud to celebrate their extraordinary achievements and dedication to their missions.” 

Charlotte Blank, US Chief Marketing Officer, Jaguar Land Rover North America

Public voting will take place from Friday, September 15, through Wednesday, October 4, to determine the ultimate winners of the six categories of the 2023 Defender Service Awards. To view the finalist videos and vote, please visit Defender Service Awards at https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/index.html  

The finalists across five categories are:   

Animal, Wildlife and Marine Mammal Welfare Award, Presented by Animal Planet  

Veterans and Civil Servant Outreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science  

Community Service Award, Presented by ei3  

Search, Rescue and Emergency Services Award, Presented by Pelican  

Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive Inc  

A sixth category has been added to the 2023 Defender Service Awards, celebrating 2021 and 2022 Defender Service Awards Honorees. Over 20 previous awards finalists resubmitted their entries for this category, with all going direct for public vote. Their heroism and service to their communities is commendable and this award category provides a second chance for them to win a new Defender 130.  

The winning organization from each category will be announced at this year’s Defender Service Awards at Destination Defender, presented by CHASE. Encouraging participants to embrace the impossible, the weekend celebration will take place from November 10-12, at Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas, and will feature Defender experiences that channel the adventurous spirit of the brand.  

To learn more about the 2023 Defender Service Awards, please visit https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/index.html