How does it work?
It's simple. Head to one of the events listed below and take a test drive in a new Ford. For every valid test drive, Ford donates €30 to Irish Guide Dogs. Each event can raise up to €6,000, based on a maximum of 200 test drives.
This gives buyers a chance to try some of Ford's electric models, including the Explorer, Capri and Puma Gen-E.
Where and when are the events?
The events run from now until mid-October, at locations across Galway, Mayo, Laois, Limerick, Waterford, Dublin, Tipperary, Louth, Kildare and Cork. Here's the full list:
- 29 August – Galway: Sheils Motor Park, Headford Road
- 4 September – Galway: Fred Kilmartin, Athlone Road, Ballinasloe
- 5 September – Mayo: JJ Griffiths, James Street, Claremorris
- 12 September – Laois: Leinster Express Business Park, Portlaoise
- 12 September – Limerick: Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle
- 19 September – Waterford: Waterford Retail Park, Cork Road
- 20 September – Dublin: Templeogue United FC Clubhouse
- 24 September – Tipperary: Barlo Motors, Davis Road, Clonmel
- 25–26 September – Louth: Smith's of Drogheda, North Road
- 26 September – Dublin: St. Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh GAA Club, Castleknock
- 26 September – Kildare: Whitewater Shopping Centre, Newbridge
- 26 September – Cork: Mahon Point, Mahon Link Road
- 29 September – Cork: Penrose One, Penrose Dock
- 10 October – Cork: Kellehers of Macroom, Cork Road
- 17 October – Cork: Marina Market, Centre Park Road
Why does this matter?
Irish Guide Dogs relies on public support for 85 per cent of its funding. The charity trains guide dogs for people who are blind or vision-impaired, and assistance dogs for families of children with autism, among other free services.
Tim O'Mahony, Chief Executive of Irish Guide Dogs, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Ford once again following the fantastic success of last year’s Drive For Your Community campaign, which raised €26,310 to support our work. These funds make a real difference, helping us continue to provide life-changing services to people who are vision impaired and to families of children with autism. We are incredibly grateful to Ford, its dealer network and everyone who takes part in the events for their continued support.”
John Manning, Managing Director of Ford Ireland, added: “We’re incredibly proud to bring Drive for your Community back for a second year following the fantastic response to the initiative in 2025. Last year, our customers and dealer partners helped raise more than €26,000 for Irish Guide Dogs, and this year we’re aiming to build on that success with even more events taking place across the country. It’s simple: take a test drive in a new Ford and help make a meaningful difference. We’re delighted to once again support the incredible work of Irish Guide Dogs and look forward to welcoming drivers to events nationwide.”
You can find the full event calendar at ford.ie, or donate directly to Irish Guide Dogs at guidedogs.ie.
If there is anything about this story we have not covered, you can avail of our expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.