Charity match goes into extra time

The fourth Puttinu Cares Football Marathon kicked off at the Marsa Sports Ground yesterday, heralding 60 hours of sports, fun and activities in aid of children suffering from cancer.

The event, which runs until tomorrow, is organised by the Puttinu Cares Children's Cancer Support Group. The HSBC Cares for Children Fund (HCCF) is the main sponsor of Puttinu Cares, contributing about €35,000 over the past seven years. HSBC is also supporting Puttinu Cares for the purchase of three flats for children receiving treatment in the UK and their accompanying families, through preferential loan conditions and HSBC's strong network in the UK.

A further €1,200 are being donated for the marathon.

Through the Global People Survey, held by HSBC among its staff worldwide to get their feedback on the bank, HSBC has also donated €16,000 to Puttinu Cares. HSBC Malta had promised a donation of Lm2 (€4.66) in aid of Puttinu Cares for every survey completed by the staff. Since the target of the final response rate of 95 per cent was reached, the bank doubled the donation.

"Illness makes children vulnerable and it is our duty, as parents and carers of society, to assist them, in every possible manner, to have a better life, particularly in their special circumstances," Catherine Gonzi, chairman of the HCCF, said. "It is the aim of the HCCF to know about children's needs and then channel its resources to raise awareness of the suffering these children and their families go through and lend its support to alleviate some of that pain and perhaps bring a smile on their face." During the marathon, about 500 teams from schools, football nurseries, private companies, government entities and individuals are competing against each other.