Charity Heroes with Practical Classics
If you’ve picked up a recent copy of Practical Classics magazine, you may have read about a fantastic initiative they’re running this year call ‘Charity Heroes’, which we’re incredibly proud to sponsor.
This initiative is all about shining a light on the many charitable initiatives there are in the classic car world, an industry that raises millions of pounds for charities every year. There are many people within the community who work hard every day to raise money and hope for others – and we’re supporting Practical Classics with their mission to celebrate them.
Our very own Senior Operations manager Andrew Evanson said, “People who go the extra mile for charities don’t seek out recognition. All the more reason that they should receive it. That’s why Lancaster is proud to support this initiative.”
Here’s a look at the fantastic charities they’ve featured so far…
Sporting Bears Motor Club
If you’ve attended any of the classic car events at the NEC in recent years, you’ve probably seen the Sporting Bears Club, which runs it’s popular ‘Dream Rides’ passenger experiences from the back of the halls. The club is a group of car enthusiasts who raise money for UK children’s charities through meets, tours and Dream Rides events. They have 1,500 members from all over the UK, who give up their time, fuel and maintenance costs completely free of charge. To date, they’ve raised £2.7 million, all of which has gone directly to helping children. To find out more, visit sportingbears.co.uk.
The Italian Job
Founded by lifelong mini enthusiast Freddie St George and his Italian mum Giulia from Steyning, West Sussex, the Italian Job is now in its 33rd year and has so far raised £2.94m for children’s charities. It’s an annual fundraising event that begins in Imola, Italy this year on 11th October. This year’s chosen charity will be Buttle UK, a cause that supports and gives opportunities to children living in financial crisis. To take part in this year’s event, or find out more about the charity’s activities, visit italianjob.com.
Bangers4BEN
BEN is the automotive industry’s ‘own’ charity – a cause set up to help and assist those who work in the car industry at times of crisis, offering everything from palliative care to financial support. You can find out more about them at ben.org.uk. The Bangers4BEN annual charity rally is an annual event where the great and good of the automotive industry buy an old car for less than £750, decorate it to a theme and then head to a mystery location with various challenges and tasks to complete en route. More than £300k has been donated so far in entry fees, fundraising and the sale of the cars after the event. This years’ event takes place on October 8-12th with an entry fee of £650 per car for a team of two people. To enter click here.
Takona
Takona is an online community designed to raise awareness of mental welfare via car culture. The name Takona is actually taken from a dream its founder Lewis Warren had of creating his own car of the same name. The 28-year-old from Sawbridgeworth, Herts, formed Takona to recognise the positive impact that car-based communities can have on mental well-being, after struggling with his own health challenges and working among people with advanced mental health issues. Takona now even has its own clothing brand, which promotes positive mental health messages and sees a return from proceeds going towards charities that support the issue, such as Mind and CALM. You can find out more at takona.co.uk.
If you, your car club or your friends have got anything planned to raise money for charity, Practical Classics absolutely want to hear about it and talk about it in the magazine. You can contact them at practicalclassics@bauermedia.co.uk.
Rebel with a cause
If you were at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March, you may have seen a very special 1974 Reliant Rebel Van being restored at the live stage. This project, aptly named ‘Rebel with a cause’ is a charity venture lead by Practical Classics in partnership with Lancaster Insurance Services. Donated to Practical Classics by reader Graham Catchpole, the restored Rebel will be fully restored, before being sold at auction to raise money for NHS charities. A huge thank you needs to go to the fantastic suppliers who have supported the project so far, Autopaints Brighton and HB Body.
