"We will not organise L-Istrina again!" This is what Peppi Azzopardi and the Where's Everybody team say every year. So why do they end up doing it anyway?
"When we meet the children and people who are in dire need of help, we just cannot say no. The money raised during L-Istrina helps so many people throughout the year that we keep that as an incentive to tackle this mammoth job.
"Take the case of a seven-year-old boy who, thanks to the Community Chest Fund, can walk again with a special walker. This has to be adjusted in the UK every year, to fit his growth. There are so many cases out there. When I heard a mother saying that thanks to the help she got through L-Istrina funds, her deaf son was fitted with a special hearing aid and some time later heard him call out to her for the first time, how can I refuse to do my part?"
So what does the organisation of such an event entail? P.J. Vassallo Mintoff: "We have been working on L-Istrina for over two months now. Peppi, Andrew Sultana and myself have already met with several people who are really desperate for help right now. Although it is a sad part of our job which really effects us, it also gives us strength to continue our work. This year, we are even changing venue, and a huge 30 by 40-metre tent is being set up in the car park adjacent to the PBS House in Guardamangia. As for those who, for some reason, cannot watch TV, L-Istrina will also be on Radju Malta."
One of the core team members, Abigail Mallia, commented: "I am used to working nights on Xarabank, but I put in an extra dose of passion and care in all the work entailed on L-Istrina, because I know that it helps so many people."
Hundreds of personalities have confirmed that they are taking part. Anna Vella is the co-ordinator of this job. "We have to make hundreds of calls - from people in show business, to politicians. We have had an amazing response, and in the meeting we had last Monday, everyone was very enthusiastic. Some people will perform; others take the phone calls coming with donations; some both!
"Besides, we have organised an art auction, and over 80 pieces have been donated by local artists. Proceeds of this auction will go to L-Istrina and the works of art are already on show at St James Cavalier. The public can view these works in the Terrace Hall, between 8.30 a.m. and 10 p.m., including Saturday and Sunday. There is also a Website online, www.xarabank.com/istrina, where every piece can be viewed along with its description. Bids can be placed both on line and at St James."
Numerous companies have also confirmed that they will be making their donations live on the programme and take the opportunity to wish the season's greetings to their employees and clients. There is also much enthusiasm from people to join in the helping spirit by organizing collections at staff parties and other initiatives.
Peter Carbonaro takes over the task of preparing the personalities' performances. A team of animators are assigned to put the performers through their paces in their respective numbers. What can we expect this year? "Fun, fun and more fun," enthuses Peter. "L-Istrina is also about enjoying ourselves, so personalities lend themselves to doing things they would not normally do - all for a good cause!"
Pressed for a clue, he said: "Well, Peppi and Valerie have not escaped us this year, and will be in two separate number - you are not going to believe this! The favourites like The Full Monty will not be left out... don't miss it! A big thank you to YADA dance company, MADC and Corinthia Jerma Palace for their help in supplying us with amazing costumes for our various acts."
Every year, a committee chaired by Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima selects organisations which will benefit from the funds raised during L-Istrina. Last year a record sum of Lm476,000 was collected. This year the Community Chest Fund, Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Life Cycle - Renal Unit; Jesuit Refugee Service and Missionary Service Gesù fil-Proxxmu will all benefit.
L-Istrina is about helping people, having fun and even winning prizes. People sometimes pass comments about charity mingled with prizes, etc., but let us face facts - everyone enjoys winning something!
L-Istrina is a ten-hour programme, and our aim is to raise as much money as possible. Offering amazing prizes such as the ones we have this year, is bound to encourage people to call in with their donations.
A big thank you goes to our generous sponsors, who have donated no fewer than eight cars; a solitaire diamond ring worth Lm3,000, a luxury kitchen and a number of Playstation 2 complete with Harry Potter games! Till now the total value of prizes is circa Lm100,000, and we are waiting for a confirmation of a prize which will be the biggest ever single donation in the history of L-Istrina.
What better way to start the New Year - helping those most in need, and being in with the chance of winning a fantastic prize.
We are hoping everyone stays at home on Saturday from 1 p.m. onwards, watches TVM and makes plenty of phone calls!
Marcette Busuttil is in charge of this year's sponsors for L-Istrina