A number of charitable institutions became hives of activity yesterday as some 300 volunteers from four leading companies in Malta carried out voluntary work in a joint initiative between them.

The initiative was taken by the employees and chairmen and chief executives of HSBC, Gasan Group, Farsons Group and Mizzi Organisation, who opted to give up their day off to do voluntary work for the benefit of those who are less fortunate.

The homes where work was carried out were the Fra Diegu Home in Hamrun, St Joseph Home in Sta Venera, Dar Merhba Bik in Balzan, Dar Gesù ta' Nazareth in Zejtun, the Third World Group and YMCA.

Supplies required for the day were bought from a fund of Lm4,000 set up by the four companies.

The day began with Mass at 8.15 a.m. after which the work, which included decorating, maintenance, gardening, landscaping and cleaning, started.

At lunchtime, volunteers were visited by President Guido de Marco who praised the initiative, which was being held for the second year running.

Prof. de Marco said workers involved were expressing true solidarity, giving a part of themselves for others.

Prof. de Marco hoped that other companies would follow suit in such a worthy cause.

"Through volunteering in this noble cause, you are yet another added value to the well-being of our society, by ensuring that every individual lives in the right environment.

"One of the aspects of which we take pride as a nation, is that of providing a valuable contribution to other individuals in need, and it is within this context that we Maltese live together within one family, of which I am proud to preside," he said.