L-Istrina with a difference this year

L-Istrina, the annual charity telethon that has become an institution, was launched last Tuesday as an edition "with a difference".

This year's show, dubbed "the most socially relevant event in the Maltese Islands", is being marketed as L-Istrina b'differenza because of a change in venue, content and spirit.

Rather than at the Public Broadcasting Services' studios, this year's telethon will be held at the Montekristo Estates in Ħal-Farruġ, the vineyards belonging to construction magnate Charles Polidano, who will be donating one of the most tempting prizes: a flat. Nine cars will also be among a myriad of other items up for grabs.

That is about all the details the promoters are willing to give at this stage in an attempt to have the element of "surprise".

The charity event was launched by President Eddie Fenech Adami and half the funds raised will go, as always, to the Community Chest Fund. The other half of the proceeds will be distributed among 15 philanthropic associations and beneficiaries. A number of organisations had to be left out as about 45 applied for a slice of the funds.

The organisations that will benefit this year are: The Malta Hospice Movement, children's homes Ejjew Għandi, Dar Sagra Familja, Don Bosco House, the Salesians of Don Bosco/SOS Malta, OASI Centre, Casa Leone XXIII, Holy Family Homes for the Elderly, Parr. Jesus Crucificado S M Chaparron, SOS Malta, Special Olympics Malta, Dar il-Kaptan, LAND Group, the Richmond Foundation, Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem and the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The beneficiaries, chosen by a board of committees headed by Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima, were selected after a public call for funding was made. Eligible organisations were those registered at the Office of the Voluntary Service Commission.

Over the past 13 years of L-Istrina, more than €14 million were collected to help those in need of financial help, PBS chairman Claire Thake Vassallo said.

This edition may be different to previous ones but some things won't change, including the presenters: Peppi Azzopardi and Valerie Vella.

The December 27 fund raiser, which will be transmitted live on TVM, One TV and Net TV between midday and midnight, will be preceded by an auction and gala dinner, both to be held at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, in Valletta on December 21.

Artists wishing to donate works for auction and members of the public wanting to suggest an idea to be fulfilled by a personality on TV can e-mail info@l-istrina2008.org.