Appeal to care for the people who care

Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the caring home for the disabled, runs at €12,000 a day and is fully dependent on donations from the public to offer its services.

That is why it holds its annual open day fundraising event on January 1, giving the public a chance to visit the premises and donate more money to the institution that has survived for more than 40 years.

The team of organisers yesterday called on the Maltese to continue being generous to help residents become more independent and contribute to society.

At present, the home cares for about 100 residents and employs 220 workers. Their salaries add up to €3.5 million a year but, thanks to donations, the home managed to grow and invest in new facilities.

The new director of the home, Fr Martin Micallef, gave the press a guided tour of the recent renovations, including the upgrading of the chapel and the extension of the yard in which the home's founder, Fr Mikiel Azzopardi, is buried. The home is also investing in a horticulture section, where residents will have the chance to care for plants. Hopefully, the home's gardens will eventually be self-sufficient through this project.

Solar water heaters have been installed, cutting the home's water heating costs by half, and a five-a-side football pitch is planned, thanks to a donation from the Malta Football Association on behalf of UEFA.

Money will also be raised through an auction of sports memorabilia which was collected over the year by volunteers. A replica of the Champions' League cup will be available for people to take photos with.

The open day event is organised by RTK radio station in collaboration with APS Bank and will start with Mass at 9 a.m. followed by entertainment and guided tours throughout the day until midnight. The event, which was first held in 1996, has grown into one of national proportions and is featured on the four main television stations.