American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) partner Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, FL, is one of many local organizations that received a BrightDrop van from General Motors. CAP partners commit to working with the Red Cross before, during and after disasters to help strengthen the resilience of the entire community.
The American Red Cross has acknowledged General Motors (GM) for its ongoing support in disaster preparedness and relief efforts. On September 25, 2025, GM donated **59 BrightDrop electric vans** to enhance the Red Cross’s Community Adaptation Program (CAP), aimed at bolstering local responses to increasingly frequent and severe disasters.
GM’s commitment to disaster relief spans over **20 years**, with the company becoming a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) in **2010**. Through this initiative, GM and other members pledge financial support in advance of disasters, ensuring the Red Cross is equipped with trained volunteers, essential resources, and innovative technology needed for effective response. These contributions enable the Red Cross to provide immediate assistance, including shelter, meals, emotional support, and resources for recovery.
The CAP initiative collaborates with local nonprofit organizations to strengthen community resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by disasters. The newly donated BrightDrop vans will significantly enhance the ability of these partners to deliver critical health, hunger, and housing services both before disasters occur and during recovery efforts.
Designed for efficiency, BrightDrop electric vans can achieve an estimated range of **296 miles** per charge and have a cargo capacity of **614 cubic feet** with a maximum payload of **3,710 pounds**. This capability allows for the transportation of vital supplies to remote areas, ensuring timely support during emergencies.
Ian Hucker, Vice President of GM Envolve, remarked, “Getting disaster relief quickly to the people who need it most is a shared mission between General Motors and the American Red Cross.” He emphasized that the donation of these electric vans is crucial for enabling the Red Cross and its local partners to prepare for and respond to those impacted by disasters.
Beyond its annual contributions, GM has also provided targeted support for disaster responses, including loaner vehicles for Red Cross operations in **California** and **Texas**. Earlier this year, the company auctioned the first production **Corvette ZR1 supercar**, raising **$3.7 million** for disaster relief efforts after **Hurricanes Helene and Milton**. Additionally, GM’s OnStar brand has contributed by donating **$1** for each activation of its Santa Tracker feature during the holiday season.
Cliff Holtz, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, expressed gratitude for GM’s multifaceted support over the years. “For more than two decades, the Red Cross has relied on GM’s support to help meet the needs of families across the country as they recover from relentless disasters,” he stated. Holtz highlighted the importance of GM’s generosity in strengthening community resilience when calamities arise.
The Red Cross responds to over **65,000 disasters** annually in the United States, mobilizing teams every **eight minutes** to provide relief and comfort to those facing significant challenges. As disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes continue to increase in frequency and severity, support from donors like GM is essential for enhancing the Red Cross’s readiness and response capabilities.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that plays a critical role in disaster relief, supplying approximately **40%** of the nation’s blood, teaching lifesaving skills, and providing humanitarian aid both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit their website at redcross.org.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is committed to advancing transportation technology, focusing on producing safer, smarter, and lower-emission vehicles. Their brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, offer a wide range of innovative vehicles as the company moves towards an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.
