Chilliwack Search and Rescue has been named one of five North American finalists in the 2025 Defender Service Awards.
As one of the busiest rescue teams in the province, Chilliwack SAR will be vying for online votes as of Oct. 3 to win a brand-new Defender 130 vehicle, and $30,000 in USD cash.
“We are absolutely delighted to be selected as a finalist in this year’s Defender Service awards," said Kyle Klassen, president of Chilliwack Search and Rescue.
"A Land Rover Defender would make a huge difference to the ability of our 40 dedicated volunteers to respond quickly and efficiently to calls in the challenging terrain we cover, and it is a real honour to be considered.”
The local team features active members who are highly trained and ready to respond to gruelling ground searches, tricky rope rescues, helicopter long line extractions, mountain rescues, swift-water rescues, avalanche incidents and broader emergencies in the Chilliwack area and beyond.
The volunteer-run team is one of three finalists from B.C. SAR officials say the team would greatly benefit from taking possession of the eight-passenger Defender SUV customized to their specifications.
"We are incredibly excited about this opportunity and we are hoping to gather as much support from the Chilliwack community and beyond as possible," according to Chilliwack SAR member Thomas Pearson.
The winner gets chosen after daily voting and the link will be live until Oct 19.
"The challenge for us will be to engage as many people as we can to cast a vote each day, hence we are graciously asking for your support!" Pearson told The Progress.
"To stand a chance of winning we need as many willing partners to engage their social media platforms and email databases to vote for us, ideally on a daily basis.
"We realize this is a big ask but this is such a great opportunity to improve the response capabilities of our team for no cost to us or the Chilliwack community that we feel we really need to pull out all the stops."
Chilliwack Search and Rescue is among several others vying for win, and they created a QR code on their website for voting.
Defender officials proudly announced their 25 contest finalists in five categories on Sept. 22.
Defender is "the original British adventure brand," recognized across the globe "for inspiring humanitarian action, conservation and adventure," according to the release.
"The Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase, honour nonprofit and charitable organizations that embody the spirit of Defender, and we are proud to announce this year’s category finalists.
"Exemplifying the Defender brand’s ongoing commitment to driving meaningful change through service and humanitarian efforts, these organizations in the U.S. and Canada are making a significant impact to aid and serve those in need.
"Chilliwack Search and Rescue is a 100 per cent volunteer organization located in one of the busiest outdoor recreational areas in Canada, with a mission to provide lifesaving services to those who need it, 24/7, and 365 days a year in areas where traditional emergency services can’t go."
"Chilliwack SAR covers 1,100 sq.km, which includes rugged mountains, fast moving whitewater rivers, lakes and endless backcountry wilderness. Chilliwack is a destination for those seeking easily accessible, world class outdoor adventure."
Rapid population growth in recent years along with ideal terrain for mountain biking, fishing, hiking, mountaineering and white-water rafting bring an ever-increasing number of thrill-seeking tourists that results in over 100 call-outs each year.
Sam Allen, U.S. brand director for Defender explained: “As we celebrate five years of the Defender Service Awards, we continue to be inspired by the missions and people of nonprofit and charitable organizations across North America. Their unwavering dedication to service reflects the spirit of the Defender brand and our commitment to supporting those who drive real change in their communities.”
Winners will be determined by online vote, Oct. 3-19, 2025. Winners will be announced Nov. 15.
The voting link is: https://www.landrover.ca/en/experiences/sponsorship/defender-service-awards/vote/search-and-rescue.html
