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McMillan to be recognised at charity event

Posted on 21 May, 2017

The late Bob McMillan, the most prominent BMW dealer in New Zealand, will be recognised for his philanthropy at Mercy Hospice Auckland’s upcoming event ‘Ten – A Celebration of Tastes.’ McMillan passed away on May 1 after a battle with cancer. He had a long-standing involvement with the charity. Auckland City BMW is a platinum sponsor of Mercy Hospice, and McMillan has sponsored the ‘Ten’ event since it began 11 years ago. This year, ‘Ten’ will be held at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland, on June 11. Funds raised will go towards caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families. One of the most well-known figures in the New Zealand auto industry, McMillan ended his 52-year career in 2014 when he sold his 50 per cent share of Team McMillan BMW to its co-owner, Collins Asset Management. Auckland City BMW has continued to support Mercy Hospice since McMillan’s retirement, supplying auction packages such as ice-driving and a Rolls Royce experience.   “When you think about what makes both organisations successful, it is the people that matter the most,” said Ian Gibson, managing director of Auckland City BMW. “Like Bob, I believe it’s important that people are cared for at the end of their life with dignity. That’s one of the reasons we support Mercy Hospice.” Mercy Hospice Auckland’s fundraising team leader Sandy McGregor says they valued Mr McMillan’s involvement “helping us to cover costs, allowing for more funds to go directly towards patient care. He was creative in establishing an event that sold painted BMW bonnets as pieces of art. Many highly esteemed artists worked with Bob, and Mercy Hospice was privileged in receiving a share of the proceeds on more than one occasion.” “Mercy Hospice relies on the goodwill and philanthropic support of the community to be able to continue to provide care free of charge to all that need us. We are very lucky to have known Bob McMillan and to have been on the receiving end of his generosity.” In his final days, McMillan received care from the Mercy Hospice in his Remuera home. He is survived by his wife, Kerry, and three children.