Preparations for Saturday's L-Istrina, the 12-hour TV marathon that aims to collect funds for the less fortunate, are in full swing.
The programme, which will start at noon, will be broadcast live on PBS, Net TV and Super One.
President Eddie Fenech Adami, who, together with Mrs Fenech Adami, heads the Community Chest Fund (CCF) - the major beneficiary of the programme, said L-Istrina had gained momentum to become an annual event that was not easy to get away from.
L-Istrina was a day of solidarity and contributions and Dr Fenech Adami said he hoped a substantial sum would be collected yet again.
He said that none of the gifts to be distributed to donors were bought. All were donated.
Star prizes this year include nine Kia cars, which several companies were paying for, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, mobile phones, iPods, Playstations, holidays, air tickets, diamonds, pearls and plasma screens.
Over Lm250,000 worth of gifts were already available and all people calling or sending an SMS to give a donation would be receiving Virtù Ferries or Myoka discount vouchers.
The President encouraged everyone to take part in this "competition of solidarity".
He said the CCF this year distributed Lm400,000 among 3,000 individuals.
The CCF will be getting 50 per cent of the money raised through L-Istrina. The rest will be distributed among the Malta Cancer Foundation (12.5 per cent), Dar il-Kaptan, Arka Foundation, Oasi Foundation, Little Sisters of The Poor and St Rita Home (five per cent each), the Don Bosco Salesians (three per cent), the Equal Partners Foundation, the Eden Foundation and the Richmond Foundation (2.5 per cent each), the Jesuits Refugee Services (one per cent) and the SPCA and Reaching Out (0.5 per cent each).
L-Istrina will include the participation of 250 personalities.
The show will be opened by the National Orchestra, Voices and a group of dancers.
Further information can be obtained on 2291 3555. www.istrina.org.mt
Internet users can make their L-Istrina donations online through www.di-ve.com by using both credit and debit cards.
A currency converter is available for foreign contributors. Live TV streaming will be available and users can enjoy the fundraising event online, worldwide, in addition to the regular news updates.
Also in aid of L-Istrina, motoring enthusiasts are being invited for a ride in their dream car and to view a static motor show at the car park next to the Malta Conventions Centre Tent, in Ta' Qali, on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The show will include cars such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Bentley, a selection of classic vehicles, modified cars, off road 4x4s, military vehicles, American roadsters and truck racing bikes, among others. A number of vehicles will be participating in organised tours and the public can get a ride by making a donation according to the type of vehicle they wish to experience.
A nominal entrance fee of Lm2 will be charged and all proceeds from both entrance fee and vehicle rides will be donated to L-Istrina.