Drive a dream classic to raise vital cash for Africa

Hope springs eternal. Drive a dream classic to raise vital cash for Africa.

The Hope Classic Rally – a unique charity event that has raised almost $2million since its foundation in 2015 – takes place on 28 June. As well as a great drive through the English countryside, a glamorous dinner and a stay at a luxury hotel, what makes the rally stand out is the opportunity to do it in a priceless classic. For example, this year’s line-up includes a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’, a 1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB and a 1967 Lamborghini Miura.

These and around 100 other classics will be loaned by their owners for the 2024 running, centred around The Elvetham hotel in Hampshire. Last year’s event raised over $420,000; the hope is to exceed that this year. All the revenues fuel the works of WeSeeHope, a charity that invests in entrepreneurialism and community-led change for vulnerable children across East Africa. WeSeeHope sets up self-funding community banking groups for parents and guardians and trains them in business and financial skills.

With access to loans from their groups, they can then establish small businesses to improve the quality of their families’ lives. The charity says that every $1 spent goes on to generate $4. Rally guests will arrive at The Elvetham for breakfast and the most thrilling part of the day – the official envelope opening to find out what car they’ll be driving. They then tour Hampshire and the South Downs, with a lunch stop at The White Horse in Graffham, before returning to The Elvetham for a drinks reception, followed by dinner (with charity auction) and overnight stay.

It is possible to take part in your own classic car at a reduced fee if you prefer. For further details see hopeclassicrally.org.

Above and left Unique rally raises funds that help East African families acquire the business and financial skills to improve their lives.