Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue Gets Decked Out Land Rover Defender 130
Search and rescue operations always go smoother with the right tools. And in honour to thank and celebrate U.S. and Canadian-based charitable organizations that are making a positive impact in their communities, Land Rover launched the Defender Service Awards. Since 2021, the automaker has been donating money, as well as customized Defenders to help further their causes. According to the contest rules, a charitable organization must fall into one of five categories of service: Veterans Outreach, Community Services, Animal Welfare, Search & Rescue or Environmental & Conservation.
This year, Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue (SBO-OVSAR) of Ottawa, Ontario received a customized Defender 130 for winning in the Search and Rescue category, one of five charities in North America to receive a vehicle.
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The beast in question is an all-new 2023 Land Rover 130, which is the longest model (after the two-door 90 and the four-door 110). Outside, its livery has been specifically designed for SBO-OVSAR. It also sports the ladder and roof rack options. Inside, three rows of seats can sit up to eight occupants. The Defender 130 also deploys up 2,516 litres of cargo volume when all rows are folded.
Mechanically, the Defender 130 features an Electronic Air Suspension system with 75 mm of additional lift at the front and the rear in off-road height to help the driver clear obstacles and assist when wading in up to 900 mm of water – which is a key element for search and rescue operations.
"SBO-OVSAR is extremely thankful to have been chosen as the category winner. SBO-OVSAR will put the new Defender into immediate use. It will respond to calls from police and municipal agencies to assist with search and rescue and disaster response, helping to reach hard-to-access locations, insert teams into the field and reach residents in need of support,” said Lynn Dupuis, President of SBO-OVSAR.
On top of receiving the vehicle, SBO-OVSAR has also been awarded $25,000 USD from Pelican, the renowned protection gear supplier and Search and Rescue category sponsor, along with $5,000 USD from Chase as the presenting sponsor.