Laois drivers can help raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs at car test event

Ford Ireland is bringing its ‘Drive for your Community’ initiative to Laois, allowing local drivers to get behind the wheel of a brand-new Ford while raising funds for Irish Guide Dogs.

The event, taking place at Downey's on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise on Saturday, September 12, is hosted by Downey’s Auto Stop and is part of Ford Ireland’s nationwide Drive for your Community campaign, which is in its second year.

Ford Ireland says that last autumn, the campaign raised €26,310 for Irish Guide Dogs. Ford has teamed up with the charity once again, with an expanded series of test-drive events taking place across Ireland.

For every valid test drive taken at the Laois event, Ford pledges to donate €30 to Irish Guide Dogs, with up to 200 test drives and a maximum donation of €6,000 per event.

John Manning is Market Lead for Ford Ireland.

“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 €26,310 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 a simple idea: take a test drive in a new Ford and help make a meaningful difference,” he said.

Ford adds that drivers will have the opportunity to test its electric fleet on the day while helping to support the life-changing work of Irish Guide Dogs.