At Mako, our commitment to philanthropy is a driving force that unites our global team, and we are proud to channel this energy through the Mako Foundation. As we reflect on our Dealing for Donations Day (DfDD) earlier this month, we want to highlight the incredible work of our long-standing partner WeSeeHope, whom we’ve also supported through our DfDD activities, and celebrate a recent event that showcased their mission in spectacular fashion.

A Day of Classic Cars, Country Roads, and Collective Purpose

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On Friday, 27th June, the historic grounds of the Wotton House Country Estate Hotel buzzed with anticipation. A team of 10 Mako colleagues gathered for the annual Hope Classic Rally, a premier fundraising event that has successfully raised over £2 million to date for WeSeeHope.

The day began with guests admiring a breathtaking lineup of automotive history. After a welcome breakfast and technical briefings, our Mako team settled into their classic cars and crossed the start line, embarking on a meticulously planned route through the stunning Surrey countryside.

The rally’s halfway point was a spectacular pit stop lunch, graciously hosted by rally partner Ledmore at their state-of-the-art facility in Dunsfold Park. The return journey held a special thrill: a procession lap around the legendary test track made famous by the BBC's Top Gear.

The adventure culminated back at Wotton House with an evening of celebration and giving, including a spirited charity auction. Every bid and donation made during the evening directly contributed to the vital work of WeSeeHope, reinforcing the powerful connection between the day's enjoyment and its life-changing impact.

Capturing the Spirit of the Day

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The accompanying photographs capture the essence of a truly perfect day. You can almost feel the summer sun on the gleaming paintwork of iconic Jaguars, Porsches, and Ferraris as they navigate the sun-drenched Surrey lanes. The images tell a story of pure driving joy - smiles shared between drivers and co-pilots, waves to onlookers, and the thrilling sight of these magnificent machines lined up on the historic Dunsfold track, ready to unleash their power for a good cause.

From the focused expressions of our colleagues behind the wheel to the relaxed camaraderie during the pit stop, the photos radiate a sense of shared purpose and passion.

Here’s the line-up our team had the pleasure to experience:

• Porsche 968CS 1994

• Jaguar XK120 Mille Miglia

• Jaguar E Type Roadster 1961

• Porsche 911 2.7 RS 1973

• Jaguar E-Type S3 V12 Commemorative

The "Why" Behind the Wheel: Driving Sustainable Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

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But the Hope Classic Rally is about more than just horsepower and heritage; it is a vehicle for profound social change. All profits from the day fuel the work of WeSeeHope in rural and isolated areas of Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda, where communities face critical, interconnected challenges including lack of opportunity, isolation, and exploitation.

WeSeeHope’s mission is to ensure vulnerable children have the skills to build their own futures. Their approach is not to create dependency, but to foster self-sufficiency through an integrated, community-led model. Community volunteers are trained to run programmes independently, ensuring a lasting impact long after WeSeeHope has exited the community.

The rally was fundraising for WeSeeHope’s core activities:

• Enhancing Skills for Parents and Guardians through practical activities like food gardens and poultry projects.
• Teaching Vulnerable Children essential life, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills.
• ‍Equipping Community Volunteers to identify and support vulnerable children.

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The results are extraordinary. For every £1 WeSeeHope invests, these determined entrepreneurs go on to generate £4 in income - a powerful testament to the effectiveness of their sustainable approach.

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Join Us in Driving Change

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Our participation in the Hope Classic Rally was a privilege and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. While the rally was one day, the need for support is ongoing, and the opportunity to create change is always present.

You can be part of this incredible story of empowerment. We wholeheartedly encourage you to support the life-changing work of WeSeeHope. By contributing, you are not just giving a donation; you are investing in a future where children are safe, educated, and empowered to break the cycle of poverty.

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How Your Support Has Helped Drive Change

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As reported in WeSeeHope's 2024 Impact Report:

✨ 61% of children now have bedding

✨ 93% have at least one meal a day; 56% have two

✨ 12 Village Investors Programme (*VIP) groups are fully self-sustaining

✨ Mentors are running independently through income-generating activities

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‍To join our DfDD fundraising efforts, you can still make a donation via this link.

A heartfelt thank you to our colleagues who represented us with such enthusiasm and to all the event partners and organisers for orchestrating another flawless and inspiring event.

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Photo Credits: Jono Renton.