COVID-19 may have cancelled their annual tractor run, but the members of Bree Vintage Club, Enniscorthy, are determined to maintain their fundraising tradition for another worthy cause this year.

The club are currently raising money for the Irish Kidney Association with a “Rev It Up” challenge on Facebook. The challenge involves videoing yourself “revving up” a vehicle or machine, posting it online and donating on the club’s Go Fund Me page, while nominating three friends to do the same.

The Bree Vintage Club is no stranger to fundraising, having raised significant funds for many charities and organisations in the past.

This transplant has made an unbelievable change to my quality of life

“We have a group of around 30 members who support many tractor runs for various causes during the year. Our club recently held a tractor run in support of a local fire tragedy, as well as our local Hope Cancer Support Centre and Relay for Life,” says Liam Leacy, PRO of Bree Vintage Club.

Chair of the club William Whelan received a successful kidney transplant in January and would like to show his appreciation for the Irish Kidney Association

“This transplant has made an unbelievable change to my quality of life after living with kidney disease since 2007,” says William.

William was in the middle of completing a new shed, the installation of a robot and cows starting to calve when he received the call from Beaumont Hospital to say a kidney had become available.

This event is organised for a bit of fun and to raise money for a worthy cause

Following his transplant, William had the idea to raise money for the Irish Kidney Association, in return for the support and service he received: “We thought what better way to thank the IKA than raising some funds for this great cause. This fundraising event is self-financed, so 100% of all money raised will go directly to the IKA.”

William encourages everyone to get involved: “Please help us by sharing this Go Fund Me page with your family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues. The more people that know about this great cause and challenge, the more funds we can raise for the IKA. This event is organised for a bit of fun and to raise money for a worthy cause. We want all involved to enjoy this event in a safe manner.”

“Thank you sincerely in advance for your generosity. These funds will make such a difference to people living with kidney disease,” he adds.

Bree Vintage Club have raised over €2,200 through the “Rev It Up” challenge so far and the fundraiser will be running until early November.

You can get involved on the Bree Vintage Club Facebook Page here