Thursday, 30th October 2008

L-Istrina's €1 million presented to charities

Ten charitable organisations benefitted from the €1,164,000 raised during last year's L-Istrina campaign during a presentation ceremony at the Palace, in Valletta, yesterday.

Half the sum was donated, as is traditionally done, to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The organisations that received the remainder were: the Arka Respite Centre, the Augustine Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary, Ejjew Għandi, Dar Saura, the Eden Foundation, Fondazzjoni Suret Il-Bniedem, Għaqda Persuni Neqsin Mis-Smiegħ, the Gozo CCU Monitors Foundation, Puttinu Cares Child Cancer Support Group and the YMCA Homeless Shelter.

A number of organisations had applied to Public Broadcasting Services to benefit from the funds raised. These 10 were chosen by an independent board led by Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima.

President Eddie Fenech Adami, who presided over the ceremony together with his wife Mary, appealed to the public to support this year's edition of L-Istrina, which will be held on December 27.

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Comments

Joseph Schembri (on 30/10/08)

@luise vella: I have always had a soft spot for the good Capuchin friars. I did not know that Suret il Bniedem was their foundation, nor that they helped at the Marsa open centre. However the Capuchins are known for their charisma of putting Christ's words into action. They also have a very good reputation for their ability to offer understanding and empathy during the sacrament of Confession.

Unlike let's say the Dominicans their 'charisma' is not preaching but the understanding of human suffering. That is why you always find them in places like hospitals and prisons and now the open centre tending to the needs of fellow humans during their suffering.

Sylvia Zammit (on 30/10/08)

And why is it always more or less the same organistaions that get the money?

louise vella (on 30/10/08)

I commend the grant to Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, a foundation of the Capuchin Order which runs the Marsa Open Centre for illegal immigrants.

The Capuchins at least are doing real hard work for the benefit of illegal immigrants. They are not limiting themselves to just preaching.

Luke Tabone (on 30/10/08)

Thats a good way to make some quick money on the interest gathered over a 10 month period.

€1,000,000 put in an account gathering 4% interest should make someone very happy

Joseph Schembri (on 30/10/08)

Why does it have to take ten months for the money that we donated to be handed out?