Sania to raise tsunami relief funds

Kolkata, Star sportspersons Sourav Ganguly, Sania Mirza and Bhaichung Bhutia will participate in an auction-cum-cultural function in West Bengal Saturday to raise funds for victims of the Dec 26 tsunami. The programme has been organised in the border city of Siliguri, about 650 km north of here. On Saturday morning, tennis sensation Sania will fly into Siliguri, where Indian cricket captain Ganguly and national football team skipper Bhutia will join her for the philanthropic venture.

According to state Urban Development Minister Asok Bhattacharya, the chief organiser of the event, the aim is to raise Rs.3 million ($68,000) for the victims of the tragedy.

Most of the money is expected to come from auctioning of cricket gears, sports apparels and mementos autographed by leading sportspersons.

The sporting heroes are expected to make an appeal to the public to donate generously for the cause.

Donation boxes will be placed inside the Kanchenjunga Stadium, the venue of the function.

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