Updated: €2.3 million collected in l-Istrina

Brian Hansford

Dec 30th 2009, 00:26

@ demartino please stop instigating hatred with your writing. We donated for a good cause irrespective of one's political belief we donated as a nation not as labourites or nationalist .
@Kevin Sammut ghandek memorja tajba.
Hafna familja bhal Kevin ghandhom bzonn l'ghajnuna taghna ejja min issa inweghdu li nahdmu id-f'id mal President biex is-sena id-diehla naqbzu din-is-somma u kull wiehed u wahda minna jhossuhom sodisfati li kienu parti mil fejqan ta' hutna .

Emanuel C. Schembri

Dec 29th 2009, 09:49

@demartino Illum qed titkaza? X/memorja qasira ghandek! Inkredibbli! Possibli nsejt il-velenu li kuljum kuljum kien johrog minn fomm u mill-kitba tan-Nazzjonalisti bejn l-1971 u l-1987? Ma jmissekx ghax kont minn ta' quddiem tara l-iswed u l-iswed biss. F'kollox. Meta sar ic-censiment tan-nies handikappati u mbaghad inghatatilhom pensjoni; meta saret ic-Children's Allowance; meta l-pagi tan-nisa saru bhal ta' l-irgiel f'kull settur ghal l-istess xoghol; u nista' nibqa' sejjer. L-iswed tal-bandiera tieghek difnek haj habib.
Biex jikkonferma dak li ghidt jien qabel dwar kif tipprova tnissi l-istorja, il-bierah harget prova ohra. Fis-set ta' bolli definittiv il-gdid titfakkar l-Indipendenza, u t-twaqqif tar-Repubblika. Sewwa. Il-Jum VERU ta' l-indipendenza: il-31 ta' Marzu 1979 - JUM IL-HELSIEN - thalla barra! Pero' il-jum li Malta saret kolonja ta' l-Ewropa ma ntesiex. U jekk sur De Martino trid tara hux veru li ser nigu kolonja mill-gdid, ara t--Trattat ta' Lisbona sew, u tara xi drittijiet u x-sovranita' VERA ser jibqaghlu dal-pajjiz. Imma l-aqwa li ghandna sitt deputati fil-parlament ewropew, bla kummissarju Malti, (kif ser jigri 'l quddiem) l-Ewropej ser ibatu!!! Hallina habib, u oqghod gawdi l-pensjoni, li jekk ma tafx, tahielek MINTOFF.

joseph quintano

Dec 28th 2009, 22:40

I am supporting what sylvana zarb darmanin has written a few moments ago. What do politics have to do with helping the unfortunate? Don't we ever learn? 2.3 million euros were donated BOTH BY NATIONALISTS AND LABOURITES. They will be used both by nationalists and labourites. Let us stop this nonsense once and for all.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Dec 28th 2009, 20:41

ISTHU JEKK TAFU X'INHI MISTHIJA!!! SHAME AND SHAME ON YOU!! What does politics have to do with charity. As for you Giov Demartino, are your comments intended so that next year less funds are collected for those in need?! You lot disgust me!

Mary Ann Borg

Dec 28th 2009, 20:07

s.caruana wrote: X'differenza jaghmel bniedem minn iehor.... X'arja friska ta'idejat...X'inkluzjoni.....X'differenza jaghmel demm gdid f'kariga...X'entuzjazmu gdid kapacci tohloq persuna integra onesta u li thalli l-fatti jahdmu u mhux il-paroli HEKK HU, HASRA LI L-PARTIT TIEGHEK TEFGHU FIL-GEMB U GHAZEL LIL JOSEPH. U JEKK TRID TIKTEB FUQ 'TA' QABLU' NGHIDLEK BISS JAHASRA LI 'TA'QABLU' REBAH LIL MINTOFF TIEGHEK, LIL KARMENU TIEGHEK U LIL FREDU TIEGHEK. BILFORS KIEN KBIR MELA!!

GiovDeMartino

Dec 28th 2009, 17:58

U MA MERHIENI HHHAAADDD! Mur ara x'festa kienu jaghmlu KIEKU l-istrina ma rnexxietx! Aqraw il-headlines taghhom KULJUM: U taparsi jkunu qed jiddispjacihom Fabbrika tkecci l-haddiema Fabbrika ghalqet jew se taghlaq It-turisti jkomplu jonqsu Tal-hwienet ma jbieghu xejn Cruise liners dejjem anqas Zewg hold ups f'gurnata wahda Smart City se tfalli? Tobba, teachers, infermiera...KULHADD jhedded bi strike Pazjenti kellhom jistennew saghtejn L-ambulanza damet siegha biex waslet Il-gvern iwebbes rasu.....Aqeaw il-headlines ta' ghada u araw jekk hux very qed nghid. Kollox, kollox, kollox hazin dejjem, dejjem, dejjem...QATT u qattma sar xejn sewwa Qatt. Bhalissa eroj wiehed haw Malta. Franco Debono!

Nathan Farrugia

Dec 28th 2009, 16:23

Hi Mr Mula,

We survive thanks to both government contracts, social enterprises and donations. Each account to about a third of our income. This means that without charitable income we would not survive.

Our Autism Programmes are Accredited by the UK national body and are of the highest calibre. The majority of children with Autistic Spectrum disorders in schools in Malta and Gozo attend our programmes. We promote inclusion, so while a child attends mainstream education, they get specalized input from us.

We'd be happy to give you more information. My email is nathan.farrugia@inspire.org.mt.

Nathan

Moses Mula

Dec 28th 2009, 14:06

@Nathan Farrugia, Peter Gatt, first of all many thanks for the information and I appreciate the interest you showed. I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the work being done with autistic and other people with a disability. On the other hand all this is done with only the support of charity, if I understood well.Now what if donations will decrease, will not that effect the people who need help and thus halting their progress? I am not being critical, altough I still think that this is the responsibility of the goverment, I am just being realistic. If I take that step and move to Malta I have to be 100% that my daughter will be getting the equivalent help, or at least as close as possible that she gets in Sweden. I have to be sure that the people who work with her are experienced to work with a non speaking girl who uses pecs as means for communication among other things. I am just a parent who wants his best for his chil, that is all. My e-mail is mosesmula@hotmail.com so if you have additional information I would appreciate it. Thanks again and happy new year.

mcutajar

Dec 28th 2009, 09:44

I think that from now onwards your comments shout be considered as SPAM or Junkmail Mr De Martino.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Dec 28th 2009, 09:02

Grow up Giov Demartino! Politics might be your priority BUT sensible and mature Maltese citizens have better priorities! You have a one-track pitiful mind!! SHAME AND SHAME!

Nathan Farrugia

Dec 28th 2009, 08:54

Dear Mr Mula,

Contrary to your sweeping statement, the Razzett tal-Hbiberija, now Inpsire, employs close to 200 people amongst which the vast majority are qualified tutors, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physiotherapists, child/pychologists and some very hard-working volunteers. We are the leading provider of Autistic Specialist Education Programmes in Malta (through our joining with Eden Foundation), and other specialist multi-sensory services, and programmes for children and adults with different abilities.

Thanks to Strina, we now have funding to develop a programme in Adapted Sports. The funds will be well-used and our financial statements are public and monitored by the VOC.

Incidentally i have come back from Sweden where we were discussing Social Enterprise, a model that empowers people with social problems and gives opportunities to support inclusion in every sense of the word. Yes, we have a lot to learn, but we also have a lot to give. Not just our example of generosity but our expertise.

'Razzett" (Inspire), is considered a centre of excellence chosen by universities from Germany, Sweden and Denmark to send their students to learn specialist techniques during their studies. let us know if we can assist. www.inspire.org.mt

GiovDeMartino

Dec 28th 2009, 08:06

Some suggested headlines for the Maltese INDEPENDENT publications.
Gonzi Pn qered anki l-Istrina
L-gholi tal-hajja jaghmel tieghu
Il-kontijiet tad-dawl ihallu l-effetti taghhom.
Il-poplu ma jiflahx izjed
Il-generozita trid, imma l-but ma jiflahx
Il-poplu maghkus u jibqa' lura
Sfiducja cara fil-PN
Sena aghar mill-ohra
Joseph jitlob ir-rizenja immedjata ta' Gonzi.
Il-GWU u, naturalment il-MLP imhassbin u inkwetati. Dawn u ohrajn nahseb kienu lesti. Imma falla kollox u l-Istrina wriet li m'ahniex daqstant bil-guh. U ZGUR LI SEWWA QED NGHID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter Gatt

Dec 27th 2009, 22:24

Mr Mula. I think you are misinformed about the provision of services for persons with disability in Malta. Students with autism are being supported in mainstream schools as well in special schools. These students have an individual education plan with relevant support services from the education authorities. These students are supported by a team which caters specifically for their needs & there is also a unit which identifies the communication needs of these students as well as access to the curriculum. RTH is a leisure centre for such persons while DTP is a residential home. There is the Autism Parents Association who you can refer to for help, and various respite centres in Malta and Gozo. Community Chest Funds supports person with disability by providing access to a better quality of life.

If RTB or DTP do not have such services, one can always refer to the health or education department according to the case. In special and main stream schools these professions are already available.

Chris Agius

Dec 27th 2009, 22:14

I think Geoge Abela's term as President, will be an exciting and refreshing page in Malta's history.
The event itself proved that Maltese and Gozitan generosity is not stimulated by the chance of a prize but by true feelings of love and solidarity.
All in all - Well done Malta and Gozo!

K. Pullicino

Dec 27th 2009, 21:50

@Mr. Mula: "if you choose to call individual rights liberal, than I am proud to be one"

If you choose to call people who think that individual rights are an excuse for everyone to do what he/she wants as "blind", then I'm proud to be one too.

Happy Holidays, Mr. Mula.

Malcolm Mifsud

Dec 27th 2009, 21:49

Some individuals at the Hamrun glass house must be having regrets......

Emanuel C. Schembri

Dec 27th 2009, 21:29

@Miriam Ellul. Ghidt tajjeb inti li fl-antik kien hemm gbir bir-Rediffusion, pero' jien irreferejt partikolarment ghal kampanja b'attivita' varja fuq palk fil-pubbliku li skond xi whud b'memorja manipolata bdiha Peppi Azzopardi. @et alia Jekk irridu mmorru lura nistghu nibqghu sejrin sa zmien il-Kavallieri, imma ghal xi nies qabel tela' l-PN fil-gvern fl-1987 f'Malta kien hawn biss biki u thezziz ta' snien.
Imma Kien hawn ukoll bombi wara l-bibien ta' dawk li b'xi mod taw xi appogg lill-gvern Laburista, u wara, l-qtil ta’ dawk li niggzithom il-kuxjenza fuq ghemilhom. Ma temminx? Staqsi eg lill-Profs Edwin Grech!
Mill-1977 'l quddiem kien hawn strategija mahsuba u mwettqa biex jitwaqqa' l-gvern, u biex f'ghajnejn il-poplu u specjalment f'ghajnejn gvernijiet barranin importanti, jidher li kien hawn gvern dittatorjali, komunista , anti-demokratiku, demonijaku u zvixxerat aktar minn ta' Ceaucescu! Mhux ta' b'xejn hawn min irid li dak li gara bejn l-1977 u l-1987 jindifen f'qabar bla qiegh u li jibqa’, jigi sfukat tant li jibda jidher kif jaqbel lilhom.
Inutli li tghid li ma thallatx din l-okkazjoni mal-politika. Min irid risposta jara x'gabru flus il-kumitat tal-PN u dak tal-PL tal-Mellieha. Tghid ghaliex ta' l-ewwel gabru iktar mid-doppju ta’ l-ohrajn?

James De Giorgio

Dec 27th 2009, 21:24

I think we have the coolest president around! Seriously!

Obama's all smiles. This one is all smiles + lots of action!

2.3 million euros collected? Where's the recession? :o) Joking apart, well done to the Maltese people. This was impressive.

Thank God we have such a great president too... if he keeps this up he'll win many sincere fans.

Adrian Allain

Dec 27th 2009, 21:10

I thought that the 'Times of Malta' was an English language newspaper.
I would like to understand all the comments here, but unfortunately I can't.

Keith Davis

Dec 27th 2009, 21:09

Obviously this is the first year of raising funds without prizing people for it after so many years. So the nation was challenged whether it was capabale of donating without receiving, and the maltese rightfully rose for the occassion.
Though what will happen in next years when such challenge will start fading? Surely there are people out there who donated in the previous years to receive a prize, will we loose this money? Merely for a principle, in spite of those in need?
We also need to encourage more private organizations to donate, as tens of companies decided to pass and not donate at all year after year.

a apce

Dec 27th 2009, 20:19

Life is now back to normal. The 8 pm PBS news has just informed that the collection of funds for charity in Christmas was commenced by Peppi Azzopardi and chose to forget all the previous individuals.

Moses Mula

Dec 27th 2009, 19:27

@K.Pullicino, I cannot waste more time discussing with the blind. With all due respect I hardly think that there is pedagogs, child psychologists, speach therapists and such at razzet or providenza. Sweden is far from perfect but yes I would love to see some good and healthy ideas from Sweden, and that can benefit the Maltese to be slowly implied in Malta, and not only divorce and what you call `liberal ideas `, ( if you choose to call individual rights liberal, than I am proud to be one). You know why I keep on writing my comments here? Because I for one really care about Malta and the Maltese. If I did not care, I would have given up a long time ago, considering certain comments made by my fellow citizens. Remember, and I am not going to compare myself to him, but even Dante who was so angry and filled with rage for the florentines, that it became one of his inspirations for La Commedia, still loved Florence.

Steve Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 18:44

George Abela has done what everyone else feared doing and done it in flying colours !Just imagine if he was a PM!

Miriam Ellul

Dec 27th 2009, 18:09

@ Emanuel C. Schembri Qabel il-gbir ghal-karita' li ighidtu bdiet Agatha Barbara kien isir gbir iehor mir-Rediffusion .... bl-isem ta ''Ring us Up'' .... Dan kien isir minn Rediffusion House! Jiena ta tfajla li kont, kont immur nirrispondi t-telefonati ... hafna qabel is-snin tmenin u hafna qabel ma bdejt nahdem PBS. Filwaqt li nghid proset lil kull min ha sehem biex dan l-avveniment ikun ta' success naghmel appell biex ma mmaqdrux il-gbir li sar qabel. Nahseb hafna minn dawn in-nies li qed jibghatu messaggi kienu taw sehemhom ukoll u forsi anki rebhu xi haga lura ... avolja ma jaqblux ;) Zgur illi minn dawk il-flus li ngabru qabel sar hafna gid!! Minn qalbi nifrah lil President George u s-sinjura tieghu tas-success kbir li ghamlu. J'Alla l-poplu Malti jhares lejn din il-koppja bhala mudell ezemplari.

Lino Fava

Dec 27th 2009, 18:01

Ejjew nirringrazzjaw lill poplu Malti kollu u ma ninhlewx fuq li ma naqblux. Din id-darba kellna president li gie accettat miz-zewg nahat. Kellna strina bla rigali u jien l-ewwel darba li tajt ghax qabel ma ridtx naghti u nhoss il-kuxjenza tniggizni li hadt sehem f'xi lotterija. Ghandi unur bhal bosta li nghaqdna biex nghinu lill-minnhu fil-bzonn aktar minnha. Grazzi lill-kulhadd ahmar, blu,ahdar u lill dawk ta' rieda tajba.

K. Pullicino

Dec 27th 2009, 17:50

@Mr. Mula: Many of your comments around the website usually expect Malta to become like Sweden as evidenced by your continuous call for a variety of liberal issues such as divorce and gay rights, but I won't go into those since this is not the right place. What I take issue with is how you shoot down the initiative in your original comment. L-Istrina was, in my opinion, a resounding success; an impressive feat how the Maltese have pledged approximately €5 per person to charity during difficult economic times. This shows how Malta is probably doing things right and the Maltese have every right to proclaim that they have, along with their fellow Maltese, raised such a sum. With regards to your third comment, Razzett tal-Ħbiberija and Dar tal-Providenza are both professional institutions and they do sterling work. There is always room for improvement in everything but I cannot see what is being done wrong in the care they give their patients. What I don't understand is when you say that your daughter "would be living on charity". Are you implying that charity is wrong? That help should be given to only those that afford it?

Joe Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 16:03

The biggest Marathon of this kind started in the USA in the 70's under the patronage of Comedian Jerry Lewis. The purpose was to raise funds to fund research in finding cure for Muscular Dystrophy.

A.Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 15:51

Shame on all of you for trying to turn this into your political madness!! This is one of the few things that makes me proud to be Maltese. Collecting aprox 5 euro per capita in donations is something that should really make us all rejoice. So cut the bull...

apace

Dec 27th 2009, 15:49

The great ideas of one single man resulted in a tsunami of donated funds and reduced to a bare minimum the difference between local and overseas television. Can you imagine the benefits we would receive if this man would be empowered to ugrade our national TV station.
His vision, values and creativity can surely assist to find the right people to replace the present stale and sad presenters whose only interest is their financial gain. We need new motived people who can ameliorate our national tlevision channel.

Tino Riolo

Dec 27th 2009, 15:47

@ e. busuttil...

I beleive this was all started as a Cash for Cancer campaign organised by a lady whose name I do not recall at the moment. A different organisation took it over (and peppi acted as TV presenter) when authoroties questioned and doubted the Cash for Cancer campaign.

@ John Debattista

The cash collecting process, cost, fund handling and distribution were in the past, and hopefully still are, monitored by one of the big 4 audit and accounting firms. An audited set of financial statements are also prepared.

GiovDeMartino

Dec 27th 2009, 15:36

Gonzi jaghrafhom ijn-nies sewwa, integrim kapaci....IMMA L-LEJBURISTI LE! Naqbel ma E Busuttil. PROSIT LIL PEPPI...dak li spiss ikun ibbojkottjat.

R Portelli

Dec 27th 2009, 15:35

Lawrence Gonzi's choice of George Abela as President was excellent! When I see Dr Abela i can't help but think what Labour lost when they chose the inexperienced Muscat over the seasoned Abela as their leader and I'm sure that today many labouristes realize what mistake they made!

Louise Borg

Dec 27th 2009, 15:34

This should make us all proud to be Maltese!! Well done to all the organisers & contributors!

Franco Aloisio

Dec 27th 2009, 15:20

GA - George Abela...Great Achievements....this was the result of a well planned series of events. Hence credit goes to the Istrina and CCF teams...led by President Abela - a great man. The event was so well organised and thanks goes to Capt Mallia, Marika Mizzi, Fabian Mizzi, Darlene from CCf, Josef Camilleri and the hundreds of other volunteers who made it possible.
GO is proud to have been part of this initiative and has helped to make it possible for the thousands of calls to be received and processed instantly. We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with Istrina and CCF. A big thanks goes to all our employees esp those who worked incessantly at Lufthansa Technik.

Franco Aloisio - Senior Manager Communications GO.

Emanuel C. Schembri

Dec 27th 2009, 15:18

Il-gbir ta' flus ghall-karita’ fi zmien il-milied inbeda minn Agatha Barbara bil-kampanja Milied Flimkien meta kienet Ministru. Meta saret President il-gbir beda jsir ghall-CCF, u gie intensifikat. Fi zmien Pawlu Xuereb fl-1987 sar l-ewwel program fuq it-tv minn Misrah il-Helsien. Lil min nesa, infakkru u ‘l min ma kienx jaf, ninfurmah li l-PM Alfred Sant gie ibbuwjat hu u diehel fil-tinda minn Nazzjonalisti fil-pjazza.
Bhalma gara f'kollox, in-Nazzjonalisti bidlu kulma sar qabel telghet ix-xemx fl-1987 (f’dal-kaz fin-1990 meta fil-Milied kien hemm President ta’ nofs Malta), biex inessu u biex ghall-poplu mbecilli jidhru li kollox sar minnhom. Ezempju iehor hu l-Premju Gieh il-Haddiem li bdietu Agatha Barbara u li twaqqaf fl-1987 biex sena wara rega' bdieh b'isem iehor. Anke l-plakka bl-ismijiet tar-rebbieha tal-premju tnehhiet mid-dahla ta' Palazzo Ferreria fejn kienet. U llum fejn spiccat? M'hemmx aqwa milli tnessi l-istorja halli int tidher is-salvatur li kellek tibni pajjiz mill-qiegh. Din dejjem kienet it-tattika tal-PN.
Dwar il-gbir tal-flus ghall-CCF dis-sena, nispera li jinghata rendikont ta' kemm ingabru minghand individwi u b'isimhom, kemm minghand kumpaniji, ghaqdiet ecc. B'hekk il-poplu jkun jaf jekk hux veru li d-donazjonijiet saru minkejja li ma kienx hemm (jew ghad ikun hemm) "rigali" tangibbli jew mod iehor.

Clayton Pisani

Dec 27th 2009, 15:16

Finally the STRINA we always wanted.... well done to President and his wife. Keep it up and wish you all the best for the coming years.

Clayton Pisani

J. Mamo

Dec 27th 2009, 15:04

Great Istina yesterday.

Join this facebook group as gratitude to our President:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-support-our-president-George-Abela/219475773345

John Debattista

Dec 27th 2009, 14:57

Issa biex kollox ikun Komplut SEWWA jigi Ippublikat Rendikont Shih ta donazzjonijiet u spejjes minfuqa Pls........... Prosit ta kollox.......

adrian vella

Dec 27th 2009, 14:56

A pro actve president honouring what used to be a passive pre retirement post. Thanks

s.caruana

Dec 27th 2009, 14:40

X'differenza jaghmel bniedem minn iehor.... X'arja friska ta'idejat...X'inkluzjoni.....X'differenza jaghmel demm gdid f'kariga...X'entuzjazmu gdid kapacci tohloq persuna integra onesta u li thalli l-fatti jahdmu u mhux il-paroli.....Il-President baght messag lil min ghamlu ta kif ghandhom issiru l-affarijiet f'dan il-pajjiz.

e busuttil

Dec 27th 2009, 14:33

Qisu kulhadd nesa li din hi xi haga li bdieha hadd hlief PEPPI AZZOPARDI!!!!!!!!!!!

Mario Bonnici

Dec 27th 2009, 14:30

@Giovan De Martino
Please take and give us a break....
Regarding l-Istrina, well done to everyone, especially Dr.George Abela who was present during the whole event.

Simon Sant Cassia

Dec 27th 2009, 14:06

Wow this is a fantastic triumph. I had a friend volunteering to help out and this year it seemed like a lot of people really put their hearts into it. This was (to quote Google, who recently gifted charities with $20m) "one of the hardest years in decades for charities", and it's great to see such feelings of compassion and generosity here in Malta.

Special kudos to Tonio Darmanin, who donated €50,000.

Henry J Bonett

Dec 27th 2009, 13:45

What a fantastic triumph. We are indepted to all those who worked their hearts out disinterestedly. But certainly, it was as a resuilt of the Maltese people's eager, enthusiastic response to a wonderful couple who just stole their hearts - the President, Dr George Abela and Mrs Abela, whose genuine, unassuming enthusiasm, throughout, carried all and everything before them. Such a breath of fresh air when it is most needed?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Dec 27th 2009, 13:25

Giov Demartino, do you know any better?! SHAME AND SHAME

GiovDeMartino@J Grima

Dec 27th 2009, 13:05

Are you the ex minister?

Moses Mula

Dec 27th 2009, 13:02

Mr K.Pullicino, if you think that the weak in Malta are all treated with the same respect and given what is their right open your eyes and face reality. No istrina is going to solve those problems, but a change in Maltese mentality. Judging by some of these comments below, there is still a long way to go. And I give a quick example why I might be a bit bitter. Last year when I was on holiday in Malta I asked about special schools and other institutions available in Malta as my daughter is autistic, in case I decided to move to Malta. People, and professional ones I might add, had only two places in mind, Razzett tal hbiberija and dar tal-providenza. Shameful. So my daughter would be living on charity and without the right people around to improve her skills. I am Maltese so my daughter is half Maltese, a citizen like you. Now explain to me what you, l-istrina or the president can do or have done about that, as I believe that there are autistic people in Malta who will never be able to reach their potential due to the lack of appropriate tools. Answer that.

Moses Mula/Sweden

Dec 27th 2009, 12:48

@K.Pullicino
1)Where did I mention Sweden?
2) If you did not get my point ( I think it was harder to miss it but well ) I meant that charity should not be politisized, charity collections are done allover the world, charity should not be about the country or individual but about the less fortunate and.
3)Spite the Maltese? Yes that is my hidden agenda, congrats on discovering that,lol. I am as much maltese as you but I am not ashamed or scared to put forward my critisisms when due. I am a not blind to reality and feel it is my right to have a voice.
4)I do not feel high and almighty and no I cannot change the world. What the president did was perform his duty, but he has hardly changed the world. Everybody does his part.
5)Where is the patriotism when others of your fellow maltese citizens`rights are neglected? Gay rights, no divorce, handicapped people who have to live o charity and bundled together with probably a minimum chance of living their lives to their full potential, women still being treated as housewives, working or not? Do not get me started.

Joe Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 12:31

@ Joe Grima

I am not going to defend no one and that include Giovanni DeMartino. I am afraid that even your first comment was full of political overtones. Isn't this a case where the kettle is calling itself black?

@ Philip P. Cortis

"No one mentioned politics..." You eaither didn't read all the posts or conveniently forgot some of them,

Joe Grima

Dec 27th 2009, 12:00

@Giovanni DeMartino. What an empty life Mr DeMartino must lead to make such comments. My view is that, being a man immersed in PN politics, Mr DM is putting both arms forward, a priori, to field off comments that must come. This year, a people browbeaten by a callous Government, still found the spirit to give of what they don't have to help others. That is the stark naked truth surrounding a huge part of the donations. Even the companies that gave thousands of Euros, who will miss the money from their disappearing cash flow next year, still gave. As s strong PBS critic I will not relent until we will get a national station worthy of its name and responsibilities but, now that I know that PBS were behind the stupendous production set and all, I have no hesitation is giving PBS staff and those of other TV stations involved in the production, my sincerest congratulations on a job professionally done. Basically there is not much wrong with PBS that cannot be righted. For firsts, Gonzi must remove the
PN-impregnated, power-wielding bad apples and bedfellows inside to create a political level playing field. Some hope!

Philip B Cortis

Dec 27th 2009, 11:51

@ GiovDeMartino

No one mentioned politics and Everybody is proud that for the first time Malta has ONE PRESIDENT. But unfortunately not you.

Honestly, I petty you. I wish you that one day you manage to have piece within yourself.

May you be more receptive and open heart-ed in 2010.

N. Aquilina

Dec 27th 2009, 11:45

Congratulations and thank you to all concerned. Nice sum collected. Sometimes new ideas work well. Like the one presented by our President this year. However this only proves THAT IN PREVIOUS YEARS people donated because they were generous and not for the gifts. So please stop criticiseing previous Istrina events. That is how things were done previously, and it worked quite well for a while. This only shows that we have made some progress from previous years on how to handle such events. Thats all!!

GiovDeMartino@ V Laiviera

Dec 27th 2009, 11:33

I am on my way!

Vincent Galea

Dec 27th 2009, 11:33

Regardless of our limitations our potential for greatness is unlimited. When we have the power of the President, political and religious leaders and the people behind us.
All God asked yesterday was that we try.

We tried Lord............we didn't keep You waiting.

bryan sullivan

Dec 27th 2009, 11:25

prosit lil kull min ha parti . prosit specjali lil president george . xi hmistax il sena ilu meta kellna okkazioni nitkellmu l- evans laboratory ghandi pjacir kbir li niftakar li ghidtlu li malta ghanda bzonnu .

Victor Laiviera

Dec 27th 2009, 11:11

@ Mr G Demartino.

No, we do not think you are correct. We think you are a sad soul living in the past.

Come and join us in 2010. You are welcome too.

K. Pullicino

Dec 27th 2009, 10:48

@M. Mula: And, I guess, you take every opportunity to tell us what Sweden thinks about the situation.

I can't see what your point is but I think you're simply trying to spite the Maltese. If you want to change the world, you get off your comfy chair and do something... The President did so and it worked marvellously.

And regarding patriotism: The country needed its citizens yesterday and they performed their duty. Isn't that patriotism?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Dec 27th 2009, 10:45

A BIG, BIG PROSIT to H.E. Dr George Abela, Mrs Abela and the whole team! This is what charity is all about, giving without expecting anything in return. The Maltese heart is priceless!!

mark cutajar

Dec 27th 2009, 10:42

We do not need strina to crticise PBS, but this is not the time to dicuss it Mr Inguanez, now its time tol give praise... its christmas time

Mark Piscopo

Dec 27th 2009, 10:42

Well done Dr Abela for bringing unity and piece to the county. Well done to all those people who contributed may they have a prosperous new year. Well done to ONE TV and NET TV presenters who showed that they can work with each other in an excellent way. Well done to Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat for working together as a team to support these families. Today I am proud to be Maltese!

Max Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 10:36

Wara is-success k bir li sar din is-sena fl-istrina nahseb li wasal iz-zmien li dawk li jorganizzaw kampanji ta gbir ta fondi fuq skala nazzjonali, inkluz il-partiti politiċi ghandhom jiltaqaw flimkien u jiffissaw data partikulari ma tul is-sena meta ghandhom jigbru għal ghanijiet taghhom. Dan jghin sabiex ma ikunx hemm hafna gbir fl-istess xahar jew tnejn u l-possibilta hija li s-sehem tal-poplu fid-donazzjonijiet jkompli jikber. Prosit gġal darba oġra lil kull min sehem mill-familja Presidenzjali sal-inqas wiehed li ikkontribwixa

KEVIN SAMMUT

Dec 27th 2009, 10:34

Proset kbira lil poplu Malti u Ghawdxi kollhu tal generozita kbira li wera l-bierah.Kemm ghanna qalb kbira fil futbol jirbhulna ta imma fejn jidhlu avvenimenti biex nghinu lil dawk in nies inqas ixxortjati inqas minnha l-ebda pajjiz ma jirbhilna fid -dinja . Proset kbira u grazzi lil mahbub President taghna u team tieghu kollhu talli urew kuragg li l-istrina issir kif kien jixraq li naghtu biex nghinu u mhux biex nirbhu .il-bierah rebah kulhadt ghax ferrahna hafna nies u jien inhoss li hu dmir taghna li nghinu ghax qatt ma tista tghid illum jien ghada int .Dizgrazzjatament il-mard jista jolqot lil kul hadt hu kbir. zghir . blu . ahmar . abjad. iswed zgur li hadt ma jkun irridu fuqu jew fuq uliedu.Tajjeb infakkru ukoll li xi 4 snin ilu fil programm ta brain Hansford ( Realta) kien qal li wasal iz-zmien li l-istrina tibda issir minghajr rigali . Kien hemm min ma qabilx mieghu imma poplu kollhu il-bierah qabel mieghu .Tajjeb li naghtu widen li certu nies li jissugerixxu xi haga tajba hu . Proset u grazzi lil min ta sehem . Kemm jien kburi li jien MALTI . Kevin sammut

GiovDeMartino

Dec 27th 2009, 10:28

I am more than convinced that several bloggers had already prepared different statements. For example: with so much hunger, so much poverty, utility bombshells. etc...how could we offer our help. Don't you think I am correct? Even certain newspapers had to change their headlines and almost ignore l-Istrina completely. Kemm kien bravu GONZIPN ghazel lil Dr. Abela president.

matin saliba

Dec 27th 2009, 10:20

@ Franco Farrugia. Din is sena nahseb li ma wega hadd. Jekk forsi nistghu naraw il kontijiet tat telefon ta nieis tas snin li ghadew zgur li tiduna kemm kien hemm minn wega. Din is sena il kont ha jiziedilom forsi massimu ta 24 Euro ghax ma kelniex " Casino on T.V ".

JOhn Inguanez

Dec 27th 2009, 10:07

I sincerely congratulate all those who worked for this year's edition, from the President downwards. The Maltese showed that they care for those in need.
But please do not rubbish the past editions, even if they were junk television, everyone did his best to collect the money. Do not attempt to use past editions to criticise PBS.
Again congratulations and now we go and give for the other marathon on New Year's Day in aid of Dar tal-Providenza, that also is without gifts.

victor vella

Dec 27th 2009, 10:06

Well done to the organizers the people who donated, o the best president we ever had.Please Dr Abela, or as you want to be called President George, keep your feet on the ground as you have allready shown what a president should be like, you have stayed amongst the people.It was fun just watching you in the last half hour yesterday singing joikeing and even jumping up and down.What a real man.

ALEXANDER GENUIS

Dec 27th 2009, 10:03

AHNA ZGHAR,NARGUMENTAW FUQ FESTI U POLITIKA,IL-BIERAH UREJNA LID-DINJA LI L-POPLU MALTI JAF JHOBB U JGHOZZ LILL MIN HU ANQAS XXURTJAT!!!IL-MALTIN QALBHOM TAJBA U KBIRA!!!!PROSIT LILL PRESIDENT,ORGANIZZATURI U KULL MIN B'XI MOD TA KONTRIBUT!!!!KBURI LI JIEN MALTA!!!!PROSIT!!!

Tonio Mercieca

Dec 27th 2009, 09:50

A big WELL DONE to all. I was pleased to notice that the presenters and the organisers didn't use degrading old words like 'those less fortunate'. People are realising that donating for such causes is an investment for their well being because one never knows what the future holds. At last Malta and its people can prove we can be one when we put our political differences aside. Last night's L-ISTRINA made Malta proud of what we can achieve and where our values stands. At last we have a President to be proud of. VIVA MALTA

Joe Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 09:50

What I find sickening is the Political overtones in some of the comments as if sickness knows Political boundaries.

mark cutajar

Dec 27th 2009, 09:45

Thats what we call a professional show. No more a one man show but a collective show, no more A president only for speeches, but a President involved hands down, no more political mileage but away from politics, no more lotteries but generosity, no more jung television but a high level show, no more crying for money next to telephone booths but full of sense comments, no more only in Malta but also in Gozo. Yesterday a united Malta was in its best... well done to everyone from organisers to that youngster who contributed half a Euro to this cause.

Franco Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 09:34

@ Censu Xerri - Bir-rispett kollu, 'xenati u tejatrini' ghax kien ikun hemm ir-rigali? Jien la jien favur u qas kontra r-rigali, imma mhux se tigi tghid li qabel kien kollox 'xenati u tejatrini' qisu l-gbir beda jsir dis-sena ghall-ewwel darba. Prosit tal-Istrina ta' dis-sena, nghid, kif nghid ukoll prosit ghal dak li kien isir qabel! Imma mhux tigi tghid 'xenati u tejatrini'! Hekk le, siehbi. Tweggax nies! (U jien ma kelli x'naqsam mal-ebda organizzazzjoni ta' Strini!)

Moses Mula/Sweden

Dec 27th 2009, 09:31

What does charity have to do with patriotism? This `proud to be maltese` nonsense has nothing to do with l-istrina but I guess some people take every oportunity, even charity events to start ranting about how proud they are to be maltese. Yes, charity is a maltese invention, Ramon. Charity is not a competition, but something to be done with humility. It is a duty that we the fortunate have towards the less fortunate. And it should not stop at christmas.

TONY FORMOSA

Dec 27th 2009, 09:26

*ALL MALTA SHOULD BE PROUD OF THIS GREAT CHARITABLE EVENT WHICH YEILDED AND IMPRESSIVE SUM THANKS TO THE COMMITTMENT OF| H.E. THE PRESIDENT AND Ms.ABELA WHILE NOT FORGETTING THE HUNDREDS OF HELPERS WHOSE DEDICATION FOR A MOST WORTHY CAUSE BROUGHT ABOUT THE DESIRED RESULTS.

WELL DONE,EVERYBODY.

TONY FORMOSA
TONY FORMOSA

Richard Mallia

Dec 27th 2009, 09:26

Prosit lil ghaziz President Dr. George Abela u lil polu Malti kollu, j'Alla din is-somma tibda tingabar kull sena.

Joe Morana

Dec 27th 2009, 09:24

Thank you Mr President. You have united and inspired the Maltese people and managed to bring out the Maltese peoples' good moral values for a worthy couse.

Joseph Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 09:18

@Jos Vella. On RAI TV they do what they call a Telethon and its usually on a Sunday during Domenica In - full of professional entertainment, discussions, music etc hosted by various TV personalities. On BBC they do a similar thing - BBC Prime used to air the program some time ago but stopped - its a hightly entertaining program with guests of the calibre of Elton John for instance, who apart from giving a show - donate money as well (a £1000000 for instance!). I used to yeart for l-iStrina to be on such lines - this year's is a good start-off. I would like to see more prominent personalities giving their share though - well known singers, bands and entertainers who can make the marthon so much more pleasant.

Jos Vella

Dec 27th 2009, 07:50

@Ramon Mangion
These type of events are common in Italy; if I am not mistaken such events take place every 6 months during a Sunday pomeriggio program on state owned channel 'Shepperd'

Censu Xerri

Dec 27th 2009, 07:13

Prosit lil min gietu l-ideja ta' Strina minghajr rigali. Il Maltin serjeta jridu mhux xenati u tejatrini.

GiovDeMartino

Dec 27th 2009, 06:36

DID -DARBA NAQBEL: ONLY IN MALTA: WE ARE MALTESE: THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE MALTA.

mmuscat

Dec 27th 2009, 05:21

Congratulations to the President, his team and the Maltese nation..this is what i call the real Strina...no gifts in return...just a donation from the heart...Proset!!

A Cardona

Dec 27th 2009, 04:05

What a great event.... no lotteries and gambling but real charity. The real Christmas atmosphere!
Keep it up Maltese people!

One more thing.... Dr. Abela your charisma,honesty and genuinity are amazing. Definitely you lured the crowds back to this charitable event!

Dr. Noel Calleja

Dec 27th 2009, 03:09

It was an awesome thing to watch our Mr. President being televised on L-Istrina. A Nation United who for once could experience a warm hearted President being an integral part for such organisation which for sure has attracted our hearts, united, as Maltese citizens of Malta and Gozo. A very well done to all who organized such event and may the Love of Baby Jesus will surround you in the good causes that you have done and do.

Noel Keith Micallef

Dec 27th 2009, 01:14

A big well done to the Maltese /Gozatians for such an impressive achievement. A pure reflection how people still donate money even though there the lottery gifts giving game wasn’t introduced. I can proudly say that Malta has finally HER OWN PRESIDENT with a young vibrant character and a strong will and believe in achieving results such as today fundraiser. When did were get a president that jumped and sang and showing such a great charisma and passion after spending a whole day asking people to call every now and then rather than just appearing once in a while? Well done President Abela OUR PRESIDENT.

M. Farrugia

Dec 27th 2009, 00:59

Shows how much a change of President can change things

Joseph Quintano

Dec 27th 2009, 00:57

MALTA a small country with A BIG HEART. I am so happy with this response. A BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE.

Joseph Masini

Dec 27th 2009, 00:56

An event like this should make us all proud of being Maltese. Today we, as a nation really proved that we're one of the most generous people in Europe, and in the whole world! Well done to Dr. Abela and to all the contributors and organizers who made this year's Istrina a feast of generosity and kindness!

Brian Hansford

Dec 27th 2009, 00:45

Congratulations to the President and all the persons behind the scenes like Darleen Zerafa and Marika that where behind the organization including all the five presenters. Teamwork has proven that it works if we stand together!

Joe Grima

Dec 27th 2009, 00:17

The Maltese are finally realising what the circus in broadcasting is all about and now that they can compare, thay are thankful that it's gone. . This President has done away with one circus but there are other prominent circuses with which our people are bombarded every week on PBS - the so-called national station. Well Done Dr Abela and well done to all thise who planned this event the way they did. The Hangar was stupendous and the professionals who worked to create the studio atmosphere deserve everyone's congratulations. There will be a two and a half million Euros in the kitty before this event is over. Well done again to Mr President and to all his collaborators.

Anthony Mizzi

Dec 26th 2009, 23:57

Wow nearing the LM1000,000 / €2,330,000 mark

Well done President Abela and great thanks and appreciation to your family,your team and the Maltese support given.

Why not merge and manage the Good Causes Fund with the Community Chest Fund?

: )

Annemiek Leerkes

Dec 26th 2009, 23:40

Ramon Mangion,
Yes, people in other countries do also organize these sort of charity fund-raising event. In Groingen in the north of the Netherlands people collected 7.113.447,-. In Belgium people raised 3.353.568,- and in Switserland people donated 4.699.410,-. People from 4 countries were collecting for an action called 'serious request'.

Anthony Baldacchino

Dec 26th 2009, 23:33

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr0885kcQ_Y

Colin Schembri

Dec 26th 2009, 23:15

Dan il-poplu jargumenta fuq kollox politika, kacca, murtali u elf haga ohra imma fejn tidhol is-solidarjeta u l-karita huwa l-aqwa wiehed fid-dinja. Viva Malta u l-Maltin!!

Anthony Baldacchino

Dec 26th 2009, 23:03

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr0885kcQ_Y

Candour the movie - Semplicita !! by New productions

L.Ciappara

Dec 26th 2009, 22:58

Nahseb d-dubju min fuq il-poplu malti u ghawdxi tnehha l-lejla ghax l-poplu ta prova li r-rigali m'humiex kollox. Prosit lil kilhadd b'mod specjali lil President u s-Sinjura Abela

s pace

Dec 26th 2009, 22:29

Nice sum. When one gives without expecting to win something back, one is giving more from the heart. This format is more in line with the Telethons all over Europe, where there are no lotteries. And I hope it remains so, never to revert to the previous lottery frenzy format. Well done to the President and all his staff.

However, lets not reduce this into a comparison match with previous years, from which many people still benefitted. Leave it free from controversy and politics.

J. Falzon

Dec 26th 2009, 21:58

So proud of being Maltese =)

a pace

Dec 26th 2009, 21:57

Well done Mr President for collecting a record amount without creating the circus of the previous years. These are the records we want to see from our presidents and not the records of presidential pardons

Ramon Mangion

Dec 26th 2009, 21:42

Be Proud of being Maltese, btw can anyone tell me if other countries do these events ?

m. borg (slm)

Dec 26th 2009, 20:38

THis year the spirit of charity has won that of vanity has lost.

martin saliba

Dec 26th 2009, 20:19

Even if the sum collected were to be less than prievious years it would still would have been a sucsess as it would not have left many worring on how they were going to pay their telephone bill. What was the use of taking from the needy to give to the needy ? Like myself , there are many who never gave to istrina but are giving this year. The way people were enticed to gamble with the promise of a sure win was in my view disgusting.

C J M Agius

Dec 26th 2009, 20:07

Prosit tassew lill President Abela li gharaf x'riedu n-nies. Issa biex l-ezercizzju jkun komplut u
trasparenti ghandu jigi ppublikat 'breakdown' ta kif saru d-donazzjonijiet ez individwi min djarhom, azjendi kummercjali, ghaqdiet u ohrajn. Nistennew u naraw!

Pierre Farrugia

Dec 26th 2009, 19:41

Reading some of the comments when the concept for a gift free Strina was launched in July is now superflous.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090725/local/a-gift-free-istrina-this-year

Andrea Portelli

Dec 26th 2009, 18:30

I'm so happy that the game show concept has been thrown into the rubbish bin for good where it truly belongs considering the nature of the event.

almost a million Euros by 6 pm

Very impressive.

Could be a record breaker!

we'll wait and see.

Not to start anything political, but as a side note about this video.... pity they didn't show Dr. Gonzi and Dr. Muscat what was apparently a shaking of the hands... would stop the bickering and everything for the festive weeks you know.

BRIAN MURPHY

Dec 26th 2009, 18:02

A TRULY WORTHY CAUSE AND THE
MALTESE SHOW HOW THEY ARE STILL GENEROUS ALTHOUGH RECEIVING
NOTHING IN RETURN ARE STILL DONATING
SEEMS LIKE YES WE ARE PRETTY RICH !!

BRIAN MURPHY GHARGHUR

L. Navarro

Dec 26th 2009, 16:41

Our family stopped donating money to Istrina when it was flooded with prizes. We did not agree to donate for people in need someone needs to win trolleys overflooding with goods or cars.
It was more like a lottery. We donated to other organisations such as dar tal-providenza and others.
Today we donated money once again to Istrina and I'm sure many others will do the same today and I have a feeling we shall pass last years amount.
Prosit and good luck

Claire Busuttil

Dec 26th 2009, 15:47

Nispera li jingabru hafna hafna flus, ghax f kas ta bzonn il community chest fund BISS tejn lil batut/marid!!

ALEXANDER PACE GOUDER

Dec 26th 2009, 15:20

A very good Start. All united for a good cause. Hope this year will be a record year so that who is less fortunate will gain from this activity. A Happy new year to all. Alex Pace Gouder PRO for Balluta Residents Association.

M Mifsud

Dec 26th 2009, 13:17

It looks like it's going to break all records this year.

LET'S ALL BE PART OF IT!

Stephen Farrugia

Dec 26th 2009, 12:44

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8viZcUD5XW0

frank vella

Dec 26th 2009, 12:27

compliments to the organisers for such a layout of the studios. looks like that from a tv station we are used to see on italian stations. may this success compare well with donations for such a worthy cause.