Rotary International delegation

A delegation from Rotary International visited Dar il-Kaptan, in Mtarfa, to witness the way the local club's donations are used.

The delegation included current Rotary district governor, Carlo Marullo di Condojanni, the incoming governor, Marchese De Gregorio, and Ferdinando Testoni Blanco, who will become governor in July 2004.

Assistant governor Ray Miller and the presidents of the two Maltese Rotary Clubs, Alfred Mangion and Diane Cassar, were also present.

Rotary, a worldwide organisation of business and professional leaders, has a long tradition of supporting charitable non-profit organisations.

Rotary in Malta has had very close links with the Foundation for Respite Care Services since the latter was set up in 1990. It was thanks to Rotary in Malta that the foundation opened its respite care home in Mtarfa in 1991.

Dar il-Kaptan, run by the foundation, today offers residential and day respite care to over 200 persons with disability. They usually spend from a day to a week (or longer if necessary) at the home. These stays offer respite for family members as well as a welcome break from daily routine for disabled people.

The delegation was met by the home's deputy chairman, William Caruana, who is also a Rotarian, Frank Salt, Rotary representative on the board of the foundation, and Caroline Spiteri, care services manager.