The Honda Foundation Donates $150,000 To NSW Trauma Hospital

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – Sept 30, 2010: The St. George Medical Research Foundation is the beneficiary of $150,000 from The Honda Foundation, raised at an exclusive Gala Dinner in Sydney.

The sold-out event at the Sydney Town Hall was initiated by the New South Wales Honda dealers and showcased the significant work of The Honda Foundation and the invaluable support it provides to Australian charitable organisations.

The Gala Dinner was proudly supported by Fairfax Community Newspapers (and the St. George and Sutherland Shire Leader), Castrol and the St. George Illawarra Dragons.

Hosted by sporting and media personality Peter FitzSimons, the Gala Dinner was attended by many organisations in the automotive industry as well as most NSW Honda Dealers. The evening’s special guests included Mr. Satoshi Matsuzawa, Managing Director and CEO of Honda Australia and Mr. Yoichi Harada, Managing Director of the Honda Foundation in Japan.

The Gala Dinner featured performances by legendary Australian jazz musician and car enthusiast James Morrison and his band, featuring singer Emma Pask. Guests were also entertained by speed-painter Brad Blaze, who auctioned his pieces to generous buyers.

Funds raised throughout the evening will go towards establishing The Honda Foundation Medical Research Program, to be based at the St. George Hospital in Kogarah in Sydney.

Professor John Myburgh, one of Australia’s leading trauma clinicians and researchers will conduct the program from 2011 to 2013 with the objective to establish a Chair of Trauma and Critical Care Research, the first of its kind in Australia.

Chairman of The Honda Foundation, Mr. Lindsay Smalley was thrilled with the Gala Dinner and commended the fundraising efforts.

“The Foundation’s activities create opportunities for Honda Dealers and Honda Australia to form positive and long-term relationships with community groups right across Australia. Through these associations, we are privileged to meet and engage with people who dedicate their lives to the betterment of others.

“The Honda Foundation is proud to support the life-saving work of the St. George Medical Research Foundation and is looking forward to establishing The Honda Foundation Medical Research Program,” Mr. Smalley said.

Formed in 1992, The Honda Foundation supports local communities and fosters goodwill among Honda Australia, Honda dealers and the public.

The Honda Foundation supports Australian organisations that focus on the disadvantaged, disabled and suffering, along with humanitarian bodies that provide relief to natural disaster victims and those that promote innovation, technological development and the preservation of Australian culture.

The Honda Foundation has donated over $7.5 million to Australian charities and organisations since 1992. It draws funding from Honda Dealers and Honda Australia, who donate $15 ($5 and $10 respectively) for every Honda car sold.