Launched six months ago in the London area, the ‘Giveacar’
Donors contact Giveacar to arrange pick up of a car free of charge, regardless of its condition. It is then sold through one of Bluecycle’s secure online auctions, of which there are hundreds each week. Even a vehicle that needs to be scrapped will raise at least £35 for charity.
Giveacar sends the proceeds of the sale price to one of 22 registered charities currently involved in the scheme, which allow Giveacar to collect donations on their behalf. Alternatively, monies can be paid to any registered charity of the donor’s choice. Bluecycle receives a small fixed commission for the disposal of each car.
Giveacar was founded by university graduate Tom Chance, aged 23, from London, who saw an opportunity to replicate a concept that is popular in the USA. He commented:
"Hundreds of thousands of cars are given away each year in the USA but car donation is virtually unknown in the UK. Giveacar was set up to provide a hassle-free way of directing the value of unwanted or unused vehicles to worthy causes and giving charities access to an untapped source of revenue. With Bluecycle’s logistical and sales support, the scheme has the opportunity to grow significantly.”
Paul Williams, Innovation Manager, Bluecycle, said:
“Giveacar is a simple but effective method of giving to charity and at the same time, disposing of a vehicle that may be incurring cost to its owner, even if it’s off the road. Anecdotal evidence suggests there are thousands of unused vehicles across the UK, which could be put to good use.”
To date, the scheme has collected over 100 cars across the country, generating several thousand pounds for charity.
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