Star-studded auction in aid of SPCA

The film production Troy has continued its support of the SPCA, with memorabilia from the movie fetching about Lm4,500 at a fund-raising reception hosted at the US ambassador's residence on Sunday.

Donations from guests raised a further Lm1,500, and the total Lm6,000 is intended to "start a fund to get the wheels in motion for a new home," said SPCA president Barbara Cassar Torreggiani.

A host of Troy actors - Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings), Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings), Brian Cox (25th Hour), John Shrapnel (Gladiator), Diane Kruger, who is playing Helen of Troy and Garrett Hedlund as Patroclus - attended the event, mingling with the guests and using their celebrity status in aid of Malta's many stray animals.

Troy memorabilia, including DVDs signed by Brad Pitt, the Trojan horse prop, signed T-shirts and set designs were auctioned.

The event, intended to raise awareness and money for the SPCA, was the initiative of Maria Petersen, wife of Troy's director, Wolfgang Petersen, in collaboration with Donna Gioia, wife of the US ambassador, and the SPCA.

Ms Petersen had sparked off the interest in the SPCA during her visit to Malta over a month ago and has been showering it with gifts, ideas and suggestions ever since.

Her work was carried on for her by the busy director, who found the time to attend the event and explain how the Troy production wanted to give something back to Malta in return for the hospitality and cooperation it has been receiving on the island.

Mr Petersen described working on Troy in Malta as the "highlight" of his career and thanked everyone involved.

In Mrs Petersen's absence, stunning actress Diane Kruger, who is portraying the face that launched a thousand ships, stepped in to read a touching letter from the SPCA benefactress.

Ms Cassar Torreggiani said the money raised would go towards two aims: the relocation of the SPCA premises to a more suitable setting; and the introduction of a Trap-Neuter-Return programme, for which a new van is needed.

Positive talks on an animal welfare home, with proper facilities, were underway with George Pullicino, Rural Affairs and the Environment Minister, who was present at the event.

Ms Cassar Torreggiani expressed the SPCA's gratitude to US ambassador Tony Gioia and his wife, who is also playing an important role in animal welfare in Malta, the Petersens, Warner Bros, Latina Pictures and Marsovin for their support.