Organisations that want to benefit from this year’s marathon fundraiser L-Istrina will have to be registered with the Voluntary Organisations Commissioner.
For the first time since the fundraiser was organised in 1995, the Malta Community Chest Fund – the organisation behind the event – has decided that all groups must be registered if they want to receive any funds.
Over the years, Voluntary Organisations Commissioner Kenneth Wain had expressed concern over the exemption of non-registered beneficiaries, allowing them to be given money raised during the charity telethon.
Sometimes I can barely sleep as I worry that we won’t be able to help everyone
This year, things have changed. Speaking during a press conference yesterday morning, MCCF board member Carmel Borg said that all have to be registered.
Instead of having a list of beneficiary organisations, for the first time there will be a list of sectors.
Up until this year, MCCF would publish a list of groups and associations benefiting from the funds.
Now the board has drawn up a list of sectors including upbringing, childhood, work, health, poverty, disability, dialogue and the environment. In January 2015, groups and associations will be able to apply for funds according to their sector.
Prof. Borg explained there would be three clear financial packages – large scale projects, infrastructural works and an international fund.
He made it very clear that all the organisations have to be registered and those applying for large projects have to come up with a clear plan showing that it would remain sustainable once the funds are used up.
Groups applying for the infrastructural funds need to have the planning permits in hand.
“There are very clear obligations and criteria to apply for funding from the sectors and the financial packages,” Prof. Borg said.
The board also agreed with a suggestion by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who heads the MCCF, that additional points would be given to groups working for the same cause who come together on a single project.
Saying this was “not an imposition,” Prof. Borg said grouping in this manner would be encouraged.
The list of sectors and the required criteria will be published in December.
NGOs can submit their applications a month later, and those interested in infrastructural funds.
In a heartfelt appeal, Ms Coleiro Preca called on people to support and donate to this year’s edition of L-Istrina, which she described as “a celebration of solidarity”.
The Maltese and Gozitans had a unique characteristic of constantly thinking of others and it was important to assist the MCCF with its cause to help those suffering from cancer.
“Sometimes I can barely sleep as I worry that we won’t be able to help everyone – this is my biggest fear and concern,” she said.
Everyone had the right to have a chance to live and this year’s fundraiser should be a catalyst, together with the stakeholders, to work to save the lives of others, Ms Coleiro Preca said.
Among the events that will be held in the run-up to L-Istrina, which will take place on December 26, is a bike ride for motorcycles and bicycles on October 26, a fine arts auction on November 21 and, two days later, a Fun Run.
The ever popular Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina will take place on December 7 and, for the first time, Ms Coleiro Preca and her husband Edgar will visit every single Gozitan town and village on Christmas Day.