Land Rover has donated 60 all-terrain vehicles to help the Red Cross respond to disasters and emergencies both at home and overseas.
The vehicles were officially handed over to the President of the Red Cross, HRH The Prince of Wales, during a garden party on 9 July at Buckingham Palace. The vehicles – a mixture of Defender, Discovery and Freelander models – were arranged in the form of the Red Cross flag in the quadrangle of the Palace.
The donation marks both the 60th anniversary of Land Rover and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Charter being granted to the British Red Cross by HM King Edward VII. The landmark anniversaries provide an ideal opportunity to celebrate the unstinting work of Red Cross volunteers, staff and supporters, as well as Land Rover’s contribution to helping global aid agencies over the years.
Help across the world
Half the donated vehicles will be used across the globe to transport vital supplies and emergency response personnel during natural disasters such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes. National societies in Sierra Leone, Lesotho and Mongolia are among those who will receive vehicle donations to ensure they can access rural and harsh-terrain territories.
The remainder of the donated Land Rovers will be dispersed throughout the UK to help with regional operations such as flooding, off-road emergencies and public events. Some vehicles will undergo minor ambulance conversions and be fitted with emergency vehicle equipment as well as stretchers and medical kits.
Making a difference
Nick Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “We are absolutely delighted to accept these 60 vehicles from Land Rover – they will make a very real difference to some of the hundreds of thousands of people the Red Cross supports globally each year.
“Often those who are most in need are in the places that are hardest to reach; these vehicles will help make sure our staff and volunteers can continue to help the most vulnerable.”
