'Drive For Your Community' event raises £6,000 for Foyle Search and Rescue
Desmond Motors and Ford thank Derry public for hitting peak turnout with 200 test drives
Desmond Motors and Ford have successfully raised £6,000 in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue through a highly successful 'Drive For Your Community' initiative.
Held on Saturday, June 6 2026, the unique test-driving event invited members of the public to get behind the wheel of a variety of Ford vehicles stationed directly at the charity's Prehen base.
The Derry community turned out in force to log more than 200 separate journeys throughout the day. For every individual test drive completed, Ford donated £30 to Foyle Search and Rescue, creating a highly effective and collaborative way for residents to fund the organisation’s vital, lifesaving emergency response operations along the River Foyle.
Foyle Search and Rescue plays a critical role across the North West, providing rapid response and lifesaving assistance along the River Foyle and surrounding areas.
Dawn Grieve, Volunteer Manager, Foyle Search & Rescue: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone that showed up on Saturday to support the Drive For Your Community event.
“Over 200 people showed up and supported Foyle Search and Rescue, and for that we raised £6,000 thanks to Desmond Motors and Ford. £6,000 to Foyle Search and Rescue goes a long way in keeping our daily operations running effectively, so we want to say a massive thank you to you all.”
Jonathan Ferguson, Ford Manager at Desmond Motors, said: “I'm delighted to announce that we have managed to raise the full £6,000 for Foyle Search and Rescue.
“I would like to thank everybody that came over to test drive the Ford product, and I would also like to thank Ford for their contribution towards every community that they support across the whole UK. I think it was an amazing event and again, I'd like to thank the people of Derry for coming out and supporting it.”