HSBC has decided to double its donation to the annual TV charity marathon L-Istrina.

A cheque for Lm15,000 was presented by the HSBC Cares for Children Fund chairman Catherine Gonzi and HSBC's chief executive officer Shaun Wallis to L-Istrina organiser and presenter Peppi Azzopardi at The Palace, in Valletta in the presence of President Eddie Fenech Adami.

"L-Istrina is an annual event that highlights the great generosity of the Maltese who are always keen to help those in need. Every year, L-Istrina begins with a donation from HSBC and I am delighted that this year is no exception. In view of the fact that this year's event is going to raise funds to help disadvantaged children, including from those resident in Church homes to young people with cancer, HSBC Cares For Children Fund has decided to double last year's contribution to L-Istrina 2003 amounting to Lm7,500 and is, therefore, presenting Lm15,000 for L-Istrina 2004," Mrs Gonzi said.

"On behalf of the Community Chest Fund and all those who will benefit from this year's L-Istrina, I would like to thank HSBC, and especially its Cares For Children Fund, for doubling their contribution to Lm15,000. We sincerely hope that other individuals and organisations will follow HSBC Cares for Children Fund's example and also double their donation for this year's edition," Mr Azzopardi said.

"HSBC has always been a supporter of L-Istrina and it is now a tradition that the first financial donation to our campaign comes from HSBC. Moreover, this great start will certainly help to further motivate our team of volunteers who are working so hard to reach our target of raising more than Lm1 million," he said.