UK: SABMiller donation to the tsunami disaster appeal: SABMiller announced on 05 January 2005 that following the shocking events in Asia over the last ten days, SABMiller has been working to identify how it can best support the relief efforts in those countries affected.

The group’s initial response has been to make a donation to support the aid activity, which is required on the ground now. It was felt that this is best achieved through the international aid agencies which are already operating across the region, and therefore SABMiller has made a donation of £100,000 (US$188,000) to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which will allocate the funds raised to its member charities, which include Oxfam, the British Red Cross, ActionAid and Save the Children.

In addition, as a company with operations in India, we are making a further donation of £50,000 (US$94,000) to Oxfam, specifically in support of its activities in the provision of clean water and sanitation in affected areas in India.

SABMiller will also make available an additional £50,000 to match donations made by company employees using a dedicated service being set up on the Oxfam website.

SABMiller recognises that the private sector plays a critical role in the longer term recovery and rehabilitation of the areas affected and therefore the company intends to explore how it can provide ongoing support in India through specific long term programmes to redevelop the infrastructure which has suffered.

SABMiller plc is one of the world’s largest brewers, with 2003/04 lager sales volumes in excess of 137 million hectolitres. It has a brewing presence in over 40 countries across four continents and a portfolio of strong brands and leading market shares in many of the countries in which is has brewing operations. Outside the USA, SABMiller plc is one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.

In the year ended 31 March 2004, the group generated US$1,391million pre-tax profit from a turnover of US$12,645million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

The DEC is an umbrella organisation which launches and co-ordinates the UK’s National Appeal in response to major disasters overseas. The DEC was originally set up by a group of aid agencies back in 1963. It brings together a unique alliance of Britain’s aid, corporate, public and broadcasting sectors to rally the nation's compassion, and ensure that funds raised go to those charities best placed to deliver effective and timely relief to people most in need.

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