The Maltese people and the popular TVM/WE programme, Xarabank, did it again! A heartfelt and big ‘thank you’ to both.

Last Friday the sum of €566,000 was raised for the people of Tanzania. Even after subtracting the €100,000 that was contributed by one individual, the amount is still staggering. Last Friday’s fund raiser is the latest in a series of special fund raising programmes held since the beginning of the October 2012 – September 2013 schedule.

Just a few weeks ago, end of March to be precise, Xarabank raised €517,284 for Puttinu Cares during a special Good Friday edition of the programme. Xarabank’s fund raiser for Caritas succeeded in netting €183,000. In all Xarabank, on its own and without any cost to the beneficiaries, helped these three organisations with the enormous sum of almost €1.3 million.

These fund raising successes are another sign of the great generosity of the Maltese people. Perhaps instead of singing “din l-art helwa” during our national anthem we should sing “din l-art hanina u generuza.”

The sums raised by Xarabank are made up of the donations of myriad individuals. There are no corporate sponsors. Barring the donation of one individual who contributed €100,000 the rest is made of the small offerings of a great number of people. Xarabank is probably the most popular and efficient fund raiser on the Island.

There is another very significant aspect. The Maltese give to those in need independently of race, colour or religion. Maltese children and families, who are helped by Puttinu, and the Tanzanian children and families helped by Mission Fund were both seen as deserving of assistance.

The Maltese, consequently, helped both generously and in almost equal amounts. Our people have assimilated very well the meaning of the word ‘neighbour’ as explained in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Peppi Azzopardi and his team must be very happy. Besides they should also feel proud. Raising money is the result of a combination of factors. A good cause is needed. But an equally good channel is essential.

Peppi Azzopardi has developed Xarabank into an interesting televisual phenomenon. It has defied all challenges and broken all records. The contribution of Xarabank to the local television scene has still to be studied. But it is a clear sign of the power of television when the language of the medium is used optimally.

It is also a sign of the power of the audience. Xarabank and its audience are a force to be respected. Those who try to fool around with it do so at their own peril.

Prosit and keep it up.

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