KINGSWOOD Homes is gearing up for its latest fundraiser and is rallying the troops to drive for Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The Preston-based homebuilder has teamed up with Just Drive to host The Great Big North West Tour 2021.
Teams of up to five people are invited to take part in the two-day event, taking place on September 24 and 25. Driving bangers worth less than £1,000, participants will drive through Lancashire from Derian House in Chorley to Carlisle and finishing at Kingswood’s Green Hills development in Blackburn.
Paul Jones, Managing Director of Kingswood Homes, explained: “After raising more than £11,000 when we auctioned a Smart Car I’d painted as a Little Tikes car as a joke, we started thinking of other ways we could support Derian House and came up with the idea of organising a rally.
“The Great Big North West Tour is a chance for other people to put their creativity and driving skills to the test. To take part they’ll need to buy a banger for less than £1,000; customise it and then drive around Lancashire, with challenges and prizes along the way. After the event the cars will go under the hammer with all money raised donated to Derian House.”
Caroline Taylor, Head of Income, Marketing and Communications at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “We are really excited about this brilliantly unique way in which our friends at Kingswood Homes are raising money for our children and young people. The rally looks set to be a fantastic way for groups of friends or colleagues to get together and have fun whilst raising vital funds that will help us care for local children with life-limiting conditions now and in the future.
“It costs us £5million to run hospice services every year and we receive very little in government funding and must raise more than 80p in every pound through the generosity of supporters like Kingswood.
“I’d urge everyone to get involved and have a fun weekend to remember while raising money for a good cause.”
Teams will be responsible for putting their own cars up for auction, which must start on September 23 and finish on September 25. Those who want to keep their car afterwards must offer a donation
of £1,000 to Derian House.
There will be a range of points and prizes available including best team theme and fancy dress; best decorated car; most money raised; the car with the highest mileage and the highest valued car bought within the budget.
Challenges will be announced during the event. The winners and prizes will be awarded at Green Hills, Blackburn at 4pm on September 25.
To find out more or register a team, see https://www.facebook.com/GBNWT or email charityevents@kingswoodhomes.uk.com