28th January, 2005

Like many corporations around the world, staff of MG Rover Australia were deeply affected by the devastation caused by the tsunami that crippled South East Asia on the 26th December.

As a result, MG Rover Australia and one particularly altruistic MG owner, Mr Ray Dingle, have rallied together for the benefit of a greater many. And rather than try to achieve the impossible by lending aid to all those affected, the focus will be on a small village known as Marwella; a village which, until now, has remained relatively obscure in the international arena.

This small, once idyllic fishing village nestled in a bay in southern Sri Lanka, 70 kms south of Galle and 7kms west of Tangalle, was devastated with major loss of life and property. Approximately 200 people living in Marwella, with at least half of these children, called Marwella home. Just over a month ago, they lost everything, with their fishing boats lost or destroyed and their houses reduced to rubble. There has also been a significant loss of life in the area, including fishermen, leaving families without any source of income. The remaining villagers are in desperate need.

MG Rover and Ray Dingle are offering a rare and fully restored 1949 MG TC convertible as a raffle prize* with only 100 tickets being offered at $500 each.

Shannon’s insurance has also kindly offered one year’s free insurance for the lucky winner.

MG Rover Australia, in conjunction with other key sponsors, will open their MG Rover Showroom in Rushcutters Bay on the evening of Thursday 10th February for a Gala Fundraising Event. Other key sponsors will ensure a night to remember with opportunities to win prizes such as Cathay Pacific flights to Sri Lanka and luxurious weekends away driving convertible MGs and more.

Suggested entry donations are $25.

The Raffle and Gala Fundraising Event aims to help the people of Marwella recover, rebuild their village, regain their livelihoods and reconstruct their lives. This equates to assistance with food, shelter, clothing, fishing boats and most importantly, hope. This is a voluntary organisation with 100% of all donations to reach the people of Marwella village.

MG Rover Australia Managing Director Michel De Vriendt said “We are confident we will raise almost $75,000 for this very worthy cause. The kindness of event sponsors and other people has been outstanding. We are hoping that attendees of the event will dig deep to help those affected in Marwella. And to think that someone will be lucky enough to drive home such a magnificent example of a MG TC is exemplary. We are looking forward to a great event turnout for a great cause.”

Date of event
6pm Thursday 10th February 2005

Location
MG Rover Showroom, 3 Kings Cross Road, Rushcutters Bay
Suggested donation on the door $25

You do not have to attend to purchase raffle tickets but entry is by invitation only

Hotline for raffle tickets 1800 720 001, credit cards accepted
*NSW GAMING AND RACING PERMIT LICENCE 18254 UNDER THE NSW LOTTERIES AND ART UNIONS ACT