Art for the homeless

An artistic installation set up by YMCA Homeless at The Embassy complex in Valletta will be in place until the end of the month.

The aim of the structure is to raise funds for YMCA Homeless services, which include Dar Niki Cassar – the shelter which at present is home to 26 people, and the YMCA drop-in centre, which provides community service on a more generic level.

It has been designed by local artists Clayton Micallef, Edward Briffa and Isaac Azzopardi, with the help of people from Wasterserv, YMCA volunteers and residents, and various companies.

The structure is made up of long plastic tubes, made from recycled water bottles, which go from one level to the other. Each of the long tubes represents the transition from being homeless to independent living.

To date, over €2,000 has been raised through this initiative as shoppers throw in coins.

Martin Bugelli, head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, which inaugurated the structure with a donation of €1,277, said: “In view of the official year of volunteering coming to a close we proudly support the sterling work done by YMCA Homeless in the community. YMCA manages to provide professional and much needed services.

“With very limited budgets, through its cost effective programmes it supports most of the homeless people requiring shelter and support in Malta.”

Embassy marketing manager Mikhaill Basmadjian said: “We wholeheartedly support YMCA work in the community and we are inviting shoppers visiting the Embassy complex to donate to YMCA using the structure”.