BVAA’s Charitable Support

David Millar, with his sons Matthew and Oliver, in the Sahara Desert, resplendent in their BVAA hats!

For decades, BVAA has been financially supporting charities, and likes to spread this support around as many worthy causes as possible.

Our ‘Hatters’ feature (see inset) is possibly our most well-known, indeed it’s internationally recognised it appears, according to the many overseas visitors to our various BVAA exhibition stands.  ‘Hatters’ initially started 20 years ago as just seeing how far away members could go and submit a behatted photo (the Grand Canyon, Copacabana Beach, New Zealand, etc.) – indeed one has featured on every continent except Antarctica we believe (if you’re planning a trip there, let us know!).

Soon however ‘Hatters’ morphed into supporting the many varied charities and fund-raising events that our members engage with directly, often performing heroic acts in the process, and we’ve been delighted to lend our support to those special events.  These can be very local or indeed international charities, and the member submitting their ‘Hat’ photo gets to choose which one benefits.

BVAA also makes two substantial charity donations each year.  We make a significant contribution every Christmas in lieu of Christmas cards, and these are largely chosen by the ‘BVAA family’.  This year that will be ‘Jacqui’s Million’ which is all about raising awareness, positivity and much needed funds for Leeds Cancer Centre, My Journey | Jacquis Million

The other is the Annual Dinner & Ball charity fundraising, which our members themselves support via our much-loved Casino feature.  At a time when several members are undergoing treatment, will be supporting Prostate Cancer at our 2024 AGM, Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK

Hatters – the Millars’ Expedition to Morocco

Pictured is former BVAA Chairman and Heap & Partners Managing Director David Millar, with his sons Matthew and Oliver, in the Sahara Desert, resplendent in their BVAA hats!

Their goal was to raise as much money as possible for the Christie Charity by driving 1500 miles across Morocco, taking in the Sahara and Atlas Mountains, in Mabel, a 1950 Series 1 Land Rover.  Mabel has no side windows, no air conditioning and highly questionable suspension – so quite a challenge!

Highly relevant to our own chosen charity this year, a link to David’s story and Just Giving donations page is given below.

David Millar is fundraising for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY (justgiving.com)

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