NGOs join forces to raise funds for the homeless

An international peace awareness event that will see over 100 young people raise funds for Suret il-Bniedem, the shelter for the homeless, is being organised by Zghazagh Haddiema Nsara.

Called Strummin' Home, this event forms part of the 60th anniversary of ZHN and sees these two voluntary organisations working for a common goal.

ZHN president Albert Debono said the event will lay the foundation for future collaboration with Suret il-Bniedem rather than merely raising money on one occasion and then losing contact.

"We want a long-lasting relationship; we can help raise funds for their cause and, in turn, we have so much to learn from them," he said during a press conference yesterday.

Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said it was encouraging and commendable to see two organisations working hand in hand.

"We are lucky to be blessed with so many voluntary organisations. Our island would be the poorer without them. Sometimes, however, I feel there is a fragmentation of resources and a sense of territory between organisations. So it's refreshing to see ZHN and Suret il-Bniedem join forces," she said.

Strummin' Home was first launched in 2001 with the aim of giving young people the chance to work together collecting money in aid of the homeless.

The Young Christian Workers, of which the ZHN is the local branch, is represented in over 100 countries.

The activity will see young people from Italy, France and the UK descending on the island between August 23-27 to share their perspectives on peace with their Maltese counterparts.

Waiving Conflict... Weaving Peace is the theme of the youth exchange being organised by ZHN, in conjunction with Young Christian Workers from the other three countries.

This event, supported by the European Community Youth Programme, will include a roaming exhibition, a volunteer experience for young people, a barbecue for all its past and current members, activities, workshops and the youth exchange.

It will culminate with the concert Strummin' 4 Peace on August 27 that will see 50 guitarists and a band during a concert at the Greek Theatre, in Ta' Qali.

Funds raised will go towards Suret il-Bniedem, which runs Dar Theresa Spinelli in Valletta for women and children and Dar Leopoldu in Gzira for men. The homes are accommodating 22 men in Gzira and 18 women and four children in Valletta.

Catherine Galea, chairman of the board at Suret il-Bniedem, said that in the past eight years about 800 people had passed through their homes and the majority had been reintegrated into society.

To give the public a taste of what is to come at the big concert, ZHN is having a similar performance on a smaller scale at Bay Street on August 13 at 8 p.m.

Donations can be made to the Bank of Valletta account 40013668169. For tickets and information call 7924 4418 or e-mail zhn@zhnmalta.org.