GMG donates £250,000 to tsunami appeal

Guardian Media Group, owner of the Guardian and Observer, has pledged £250,000 towards the tsunami disaster appeal. The money was donated on behalf of all four divisions of GMG, including the Manchester Evening News and other regional and local newspaper titles; Trader Media Group, publisher of Auto Trader; and GMG’s radio division, whose portfolio includes jazz fm, smooth fm and Real Radio.

The money will go to the Guardian and Observer Christmas Appeal charity partner Concern, and will be directed to communities devastated in Sri Lanka.

Sir Robert Phillis, Chief Executive of GMG, said: “Over the last two weeks all GMG’s media operations have been keeping readers and listeners updated on the disaster in the Indian Ocean. We have been overwhelmed by the response of our readers and our staff throughout the organisation. GMG now wants to make a practical contribution by helping thousands of people in Sri Lanka to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.”