CLASSIC CAR WORLD GEARS UP FOR £80k DRIVE-IT DAY EFFORT
First proper Drive-it Day for three years given big fundraising target
Classic car clubs, event organisers and owners are beginning fundraising efforts across the country that will culminate on Drive-it Day on 24 April, with a target of £80,000.
This year’s event will be the first Drive-it Day – where classic owners are encouraged to get their classics out in front of the public on the nation’s roads – to go ahead in full since the pandemic. 2020 and 2021’s events were both scaled back from the usual mass gatherings, with enthusiasts having to support the event from their driveways or on solo drives.
Drive-it Day still raised £40,000 for the NSPCC’S Childline in the first year that the event’s fundraising efforts were coordinated nationwide despite last year limitations. Drive-it Day organiser, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is targeting twice that for 2022.
FBHVC communications director, Wayne Scott, told Classic Car Weekly: ‘We wanted to do something for the wider world at a time when it really needed it, because of course this has been a tough time for Childline. We did £40,000 easily without any events happening. In 2022 we can have big events and take our cars out more easily. We have our target.’
As well as donations raised at events on 24 April, funds are also being raised through the sale of Drive-it Day rally plaques throughout the month, which are designed to be fixed to the front of cars as they take to the road on the day itself.
Carolyn Morgan of the NSPCC Midlands Region said: ‘That £40,000 supported Childline for an entire day. The dream would be if everyone had a plate on their cars on 24 April. Each time you buy a plate, you’re not just donating money – you’ll be raising awareness, too.
‘You never know what effect seeing our logo might have on someone.’
Charlie Calderwood
❚ Get your Drive-it Day fundraising plaque at driveitday.co.uk