The American Red Cross has acknowledged the long-standing support of General Motors (GM) in disaster relief efforts, particularly through the donation of 59 BrightDrop electric vans. This contribution aims to bolster the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP), enhancing its capacity to respond to increasing disaster needs across various communities.
GM’s Commitment to Disaster Preparedness
For over two decades, GM has actively participated in disaster relief initiatives, pledging support that includes joining the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) in 2010. This program allows members to commit funds in advance of potential disasters, ensuring that the Red Cross is equipped with trained volunteers, essential technology, and resources to provide immediate aid.
The Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters annually in the United States, mobilizing teams every eight minutes to deliver critical services such as shelter, meals, and emotional support. As climate-related disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes, become more frequent and severe, partnerships with organizations like GM are vital in enhancing the Red Cross’s readiness and response capabilities.
GM’s recent donation of BrightDrop vans is specifically designed to improve the delivery of health, hunger, and housing services in communities before disasters strike. These electric vans, built for efficiency, can travel up to an estimated 296 miles on a full charge and have a cargo capacity of 614 cubic feet, with a maximum payload of 3,710 pounds. This capacity allows for the transportation of essential supplies and equipment to remote areas during emergencies.
Collaborative Efforts for Community Resilience
The Red Cross CAP initiative focuses on working with local nonprofits to strengthen community resilience against disasters. Partners engage with the Red Cross both before and after emergencies to enhance preparedness and recovery efforts. Ian Hucker, vice president of GM Envolve, emphasized the shared mission between GM and the Red Cross: “Getting disaster relief quickly to the people who need it most is a shared mission.”
In addition to the electric vans, GM has previously loaned vehicles during specific disaster responses in states like California and Texas. Earlier in 2025, GM auctioned the first production Corvette ZR1 supercar, raising $3.7 million for disaster relief, particularly benefiting those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Beyond financial support, GM also engages in community initiatives such as hosting blood drives, which collected over 1,160 donations in the fiscal year 2025. Their OnStar brand contributes to holiday efforts by donating $1 for each activation of the Santa Tracker feature.
Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, expressed gratitude for GM’s multifaceted support, stating, “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.”
The collaboration between General Motors and the American Red Cross exemplifies how corporate partnerships can significantly enhance community resilience and disaster response efforts. As the impact of climate change continues to escalate, such alliances will play an essential role in preparing for and mitigating the effects of future disasters.
For additional information about the American Red Cross and its initiatives, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. To learn more about General Motors and its commitment to sustainability and disaster relief, go to GM.com.