The Italian Job Fundraiser – Mile of Minis returned to Oxford last weekend for its 2nd year

The team behind the yearly Italian Job Fundraiser has once again pulled off a hugely successful event in Oxford – this time to raise much-needed financial support for children and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

On Sunday, over 100 MINIs of all shapes and sizes came together at the MINI UK Plant in Cowley to kick start a fun driving day out for classic and modern MINI car owners and their families, set in the Oxfordshire countryside. The event coincided with MINI UK celebrating 110 years of constant car production at the site.

All participants raised £30 for the benefiting grant-giving children’s charity Buttle UK – with many raising considerably more. 100% of all money raised by the teams will go directly to supporting families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. 

The money will be allocated to families in need in the form of Buttle UK’s £2,000 Chances for Children Grants, which pays for basic items, including children’s beds and household appliances. 

Butte UK has seen a surge in applications for these grants as the cost-of-living crisis has hit struggling families hard. Application rates are currently over 50% higher than before the pandemic.

At the event, a cheque for £1,000 was presented by the New MINI BMW Plant Director, Dr Markus Gruneisl, to the CEO of Buttle UK, Joseph Howes.

Joseph Howes, CEO of Buttle UK, said, “What we are seeing is that things have been getting progressively worse for children living in poverty. At a time of spiralling prices, the impact of food and fuel poverty is stark and deeply worrying.

“The cyclical nature of the financial difficulty and its impact on children’s mental health and educational outcomes is only going to get worse as this ongoing period of crisis persists. The funds raised by the Mile of Mini Challenge means Buttle UK can provide more Chances for Children grants to those who are struggling.

“Every pound raised today will go directly to helping children living in poverty and affected by the cost-of-living crisis. I want to thank everyone for taking part, MINI UK and the organisers of the Mile of Minis for their incredible support today”.

Organisers of Sunday’s event, Freddie and Giulia St George (son and mother), have raised over £3 million for children’s charities through the main event – the ‘Italian Job Fundraiser’ – which is returning to Italy this October after a three-year absence. 

The ‘Italian Job Fundraiser’ is an unforgettable driving adventure through some of Europe’s most stunning scenery. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit stunning locations…. make friends…. create memories… and relax in 4 and 5-star hotels.

This year there will be a special emphasis on ‘taste’ and experiencing the gastronomic delights of traditional Italian cuisine. Organisers are now taking registrations, and full details of the holiday can be found on the ‘Italian Job Fundraiser’ website.

Giulia St George MBE, co-founder and organiser of The Italian Job event, said: “We are delighted that so many MINI owners have joined us at the MINI Plant Oxford today.

“Now, more than ever before, families across the country are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and we hope today’s event will give some of these families the much-needed help to give their children a better chance in life”.