A new fundraising record has been targeted for next April’s Drive It Day – the annual occasion when the nation showcases its passion for historic vehicles. For the last three years, the event has raised money for the NSPCC’s Childline, and having increased its contribution for three consecutive years, it is hoped that a record-breaking £60,000 can be raised in 2024.
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) introduced Drive It Day in 2005 with the aim of getting the nation’s transport heritage seen by the public. It takes place every April to coincide with the anniversary of the 1000 Mile Trial back in 1900 – an event which served to prove that motor vehicles were viable personal transport rather than just a fad.
Keen to give the event a twist to show what the historic vehicle movement can contribute to wider society, Drive It day was first run in support of Childline in 2021, and has raised funds via donations and the sale of Drive It Day rally plates. Join proceeding for the first in 2023 was Ride It Day, which has seen the two-wheeled community also contribute to the cause.
It costs around £30,000 to run Childline for a day, meaning that the £125,000 raised by the historic vehicle community over the last three years has funded the service on a remarkable four occasions. In 2023, the community raised an impressive £50,088 for Drive It Day, which is just over 8 per cent more than raised in 2022, which itself was an increase on 2021. For 2024, the target is £60,000, which will provide two full days of funding for Childline.
“Drive it Day is not only our national awareness day for
