Ford Ireland is bringing its Drive for your Community initiative back for a second year, once again partnering with Irish Guide Dogs and giving motorists across the country the chance to raise money for the charity simply by taking a test drive. The initiative proved a major success in its first year, raising €26,310 for Irish Guide Dogs in 2025. Building on that momentum, Ford has expanded the programme for 2026, with a series of events taking place around Ireland from August through to October. The concept is refreshingly straightforward. Members of the public can visit one of the participating events and take a test drive in a new Ford, with the manufacturer donating €30 to Irish Guide Dogs for every valid drive completed.
Each event can accommodate up to 200 test drives, meaning as much as €6,000 can be raised for the charity at each location. As well as supporting a worthwhile cause, the events will give drivers an opportunity to sample some of the newest models in the Ford range. The company’s growing electric line-up will feature prominently, including the all-electric Explorer, Capri and Puma Gen-E. Irish Guide Dogs provides services to people who are vision impaired as well as families of children with autism, and the funds generated through Drive for your Community will help support the charity’s ongoing work across Ireland.
Tim O’Mahony, Chief Executive of Irish Guide Dogs, welcomed the return of the partnership.
“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.”
Ford Ireland Managing Director John Manning said the company hopes to build on the strong response to last year’s campaign.
“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.”
Drive for your Community 2026 Dates
The remaining 2026 programme will visit locations across Galway, Mayo, Laois, Limerick, Waterford, Dublin, Tipperary, Louth, Kildare and Cork.
4 September: Fred Kilmartin, Athlone Road, Townparks, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
5 September: JJ Griffiths, James Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
12 September: Leinster Express Business Park, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
12 September: Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, Limerick
19 September: Waterford Retail Park, Cork Road, Butlerstown, Co. Waterford
20 September: Templeogue United FC Clubhouse, Wellington Lane, Templeogue, Dublin
24 September: Barlo Motors, Davis Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
25 and 26 September: Smith’s of Drogheda, North Road, Mell, Drogheda, Co. Louth
26 September: St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh GAA Club, Glenarriff Road, Castleknock, Dublin
26 September: Whitewater Shopping Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
26 September: Mahon Point, Mahon, Cork
29 September: Penrose One, Penrose Dock, Cork City
10 October: Kellehers of Macroom, Cork Road, Macroom, Co. Cork
17 October: Marina Market, Centre Park Road, Cork
With each test drive generating a €30 donation, the programme offers an easy way for motorists to support Irish Guide Dogs while also getting behind the wheel of some of Ford’s newest cars. Further information and event details are available through Ford Ireland, while those who would like to support Irish Guide Dogs directly can also donate through the charity.
