Hair and beauty marathon raises Lm32,833 for Park of Friendship

A sum of Lm32,833 was raised in the 10th annual hair and beauty marathon which this year was held in aid of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija (Park of Friendship) in Marsascala.

Students, helped by their teachers, professional hairdressers and beauty therapists, worked hard on shifts during the 36 hours of the marathon to provide inexpensive hair and beauty services in a makeshift salon that was set up in the park's main hall.

Every year students of MCAST's Institute of Community Services holds the 36-hour marathon in aid of an institution. This year was the first time the marathon was held in aid of the Park of Friendship. Last year funds were raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the YMCA and the Deaf Association.

Blow-drys, haircuts, colours, treatments, manicures, facials and a multitude of other beauty treatments were offered at reduced prices to raise funds.

The event was transmitted live on the Education Channel 22 with links with other local television stations. Viewers could also phone to make donations of either Lm5 or Lm10 and were kept entertained by singers, dancers and artistes. Entertainment for children, a car wash and other outdoor activities were also held in the park's grounds.

The funds raised during the marathon will be used to sustain the park's daily programmes. The marathon came to an end at 11 p.m. yesterday.

Nathan Farrugia, the chief executive officer of the Park of Friendship, said the marathon was crucial for the park, which relied heavily on fund-raising. One of the park's sources of income is the Leslie William Stubbs Animal Park where monkeys, peacocks, ferrets, ponies and exotic birds can be seen. The park, which offers free therapeutic, educational and recreational programmes for people with a disability, costs about Lm300,000 a year to run.

More than 1,000 disabled persons make use of the park's services.