GM supports Red Cross response to more frequent and intense disasters by providing more than 50 electric vans
The American Red Cross recognizes General Motors (GM) for its substantial disaster preparedness and relief support, including its recent donation of 59 BrightDrop electric vans to help power the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) partner efforts.
GM’s corporate philanthropy has been donating to disaster relief efforts for more than 20 years and joined the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) in 2010. ADGP members, including GM, pledge donations in advance of disasters to strengthen and prepare the Red Cross with trained volunteers, infrastructure, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support when needed. These donations enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice — offering a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, emotional support and resources to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for future disasters.
The Red Cross CAP initiative works with local nonprofit organizations to help increase community resilience and lessen the impact of disaster-caused displacement of the most vulnerable in the affected areas. CAP partners commit to working with the Red Cross before, during and after disasters to help strengthen the resilience of the entire community. The 59 donated BrightDrop electric vans will enhance partners’ ability to deliver health, hunger and housing services in their communities before disasters strike, as well as support local relief efforts in the wake of emergencies.
BrightDrop electric vans are purpose built and can be configured to provide up to a GM-estimated 296 miles per charge1, have a cargo capacity of 614 cubic feet2 and 3,710lbs max payload3. BrightDrop vans can transport critical supplies and equipment needed for disaster relief and community support even in remote locations.
"Getting disaster relief quickly to the people who need it most is a shared mission between General Motors and the American Red Cross," said Ian Hucker, GM Envolve vice president. "Our donation of more than 50 BrightDrop electric vans supports the Red Cross and many of its local partners so these organizations can prepare and respond to those impacted."
In addition to its annual commitment, GM has supported specific disaster responses — including providing loaner vehicles to help power Red Cross efforts in California and Texas. Earlier this year, the company also donated the first production Corvette ZR1 supercar, raising $3.7 million at auction for disaster relief and those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. GM’s OnStar brand supports those in need during the holiday season by donating $1 each time someone activates its Santa Tracker feature. Rounding out its support, GM hosts blood drives — collecting more than 1,160 donations in fiscal year 2025 — and funds Red Cross International Services programs.
“For more than two decades, the Red Cross has relied on GM’s multifaceted support to help meet the needs of
families across the country as they recover from relentless disasters,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our mission and their generosity in extending support to our local partners, helping bolster community resilience when the unthinkable happens.”
The Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters across the country every year — mobilizing a team every eight minutes — providing relief, comfort and hope to people during what can be the worst days of their lives. As major disasters like wildfires and hurricanes increase in frequency and intensity, support from donors like GM continues to fuel Red Cross readiness and build response capacity in times of crisis.
1 Combined city/highway on a full charge available on Bright Drop 600 models configured with Max Range based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 – MCT. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including ambient temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2 Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
3 These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the Vehicle Loading section of the Owner’s Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.