Astrid Vella wins award for volunteers
Astrid Vella, one of the founders of the environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar has won the first Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by SOS Malta.
She was handed a trophy designed by sculptor Damien Darmanin in a ceremony presided by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Dr Gonzi praised the award organisers, saying the award was an expression of the value of volunteering.
Ms Vella in comments to the press called for the setting up of a state-funded centre for NGOs, which, she said, would save the organisations expenses on rents which could be better used elsewhere.
The chairman of the selection board, Alan Deidun, said there had been 11 entries for the award. The selection criteria were motivation, self-sacrifice, dedication, effectiveness and the value of such activities in society.
Ms Vella wil be travelling to Strasbourg as Malta's nominee for the European Volunteer of the Year Award 2008.
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Paul Buttigieg
Nov 6th 2008, 07:53
CONGRATULATIONS Astrid,
You certainly deserve this award . I know how hard you work day and night (literally).
Since you have started your crusade against the destruction of our natural environment, you have made alot of people aware of what we are losing.
I believe , the Save Gozo protest (where all the ENGO's got together) was a turning point for our environment. At that time, Ta' Cenc, Hondoq ir-Rummien and Ramla l-hamra were the main issues, Alot has been achieved since then however a lot more still needs to be done. From here I appeal to everyone that if we all get together and put enough pressure on the authorities, even by just writing letters on the local papers, we can achieve more.
Thank you .( I know I am saying this on behalf of many people)
D. Fenech
Nov 5th 2008, 19:41
Well Done Astrid,
Make no mistake, most of Malta appreciates your determination, except for the speculators of course.
Go for European Parliment, we need a maltese green in there.
Kirill Micallef Stafrace
Nov 5th 2008, 19:24
Well done Astrid
Franco Farrugia
Nov 5th 2008, 19:15
Well done, Astrid. This prize is a reply to all those know-alls who have criticised you personally, in the past, for your work. Truly well done!
Henry J Bonett
Nov 5th 2008, 17:03
Astrid, we are all proud of you! Your unstinting leadership and generosity in the defence of our environment draws the unreserved respect and gratitude of all true citizens of Malta.
Generoso Seychell
Nov 5th 2008, 16:27
Congratualation to Astrid Vella.She deserves it.
David Schembri
Nov 5th 2008, 15:43
Well done Astrid. You are a true champion for the environment.
Wish Malta had more of your sort that truly stand up and do their part against all odds
Odette Longo
Nov 5th 2008, 15:37
DEAREST ASTRID.... WELL DONE....
TOTALLY WELL-DESERVED !!!