Drive It Day and NSPCC Use your classic – and help kids who need it most
Spring in the air, and with it comes one of the best national events going – the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ ‘Drive It Day’, which this year takes place on April 23.
For the third year running, the annual celebration in which owners are encouraged to get out and drive their old cars is working closely with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to raise much needed funds towards the funding of Childline, the national helpline for children in distress.
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs created Drive-it Day in 2005 to celebrate the occasion in 1900 when 65 vehicles drove from London to Edinburgh, returning to London to prove the viability of the motor car.
Drive It Day is always held on the Sunday closest to April 23 when the trial started, it took until May 12 to complete the journey and 35 vehicles completed it. The event was organised by The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, which later became The
Royal Automobile Club, or RAC.
Since partnering with Childline in 2021, Drive It Day has raised over £85,000 to help support vulnerable children and young people. Every day over 800 children and young people make calls to Childline, with worries about their mental health, education and isolation.
The FBHVC'S communications director, Wayne Scott, said: ‘Drive It Day continues to act as a brilliant chance to educate the public about the preservation of our classic motor vehicles, but also allows us to give back to society.’
NSPCC trustee, John Worth, added: ‘Once every 25 seconds a child phones Childline and the donations
from the FBHVC help keep that service running and allow us to keep supporting children from all backgrounds facing a variety of issues.’
Up and down the UK, classic car and bike enthusiasts will be taking part on April 23, with organised Drive
It Day events scheduled across the country, many of which can be found on the official website at driveitday.co.uk/ events.
The FBHVC is also encouraging enthusiasts to show their commitment by buying a Drive It Day plaque to display on their cars on the day – the proceeds of which go directly to Childline. You can buy yours, priced from £10, via driveitday. co.uk/shop.
You can also make a contribution to our fundraising efforts for Childline to support children by visiting justgiving. com/fundraising/ driveitday childline2023.
We can help… ‘Those who put in a shift for charity don’t seek recognition. All the more reason they should receive it. That’s why Lancaster is very proud to support these pages.'