GQEBERHA – The sound of vintage engines and the spirit of community recently came together as the MG Car Club Port Elizabeth Centre hosted its annual charity run in support of the Sinako “We Can” Learning and Care Centre for children and adults with special needs in Kariega.
Founded in 1923 by Cecil Kimber, MG, short for Morris Garages, the centre became known for producing affordable sports cars and remains one of the world’s most recognised motoring marques.
The Port Elizabeth centre currently has 55 members, with about 30 actively participating in club activities, including monthly social gatherings and scenic drives.
This year’s charity initiative was inspired by what the Club Chairman, Dirk Putter, described as a chance encounter between a club member and a parent of a child attending the centre.
“This year’s beneficiary, Sinako ‘We Can’, was chosen following a chance meeting and conversation between a club member and a parent of a child at the centre,” said Putter. “The encounter struck a chord, prompting the club to adopt the organisation as its 2026 charity partner.”
As part of the outreach, club members delivered hampers and supplies based on a needs list provided by the centre’s management team.
In addition to a monetary donation from the club, members contributed personal hampers containing requested items.
“We received a detailed wish list of needed items,” said Putter. “Our members enthusiastically started working on various projects which will benefit the residents.”
Putter also acknowledged support from the ladies of MOTHWA, who donated soup hampers for the winter season.
The MG Car Club Port Elizabeth Centre’s charitable work has long formed part of the organisation’s activities, reflecting a broader culture within the international MG community.
“Over the years, the MG Car Club Port Elizabeth Centre has supported numerous charitable causes, continuing a global tradition among MG enthusiasts,” said Putter. “MG is known as ‘The Marque of Friendship’.”
Beyond the donations, the club hoped the display of classic vehicles would provide a memorable experience for residents at the centre.
“For the children and adults at Sinako, the visit promises more than material support,” Putter said. “Our cars always attract attention wherever we go. We hope this day brings happiness to the residents and creates lasting memories.”
The club also expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other community organisations and classic car clubs to become involved in charitable outreach projects across Gqeberha and Kariega.
“We hope that the exposure around this event may inspire the general public, but more so other classic car clubs,” Putter concluded.
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