Donors at the Dar tal-Providenza annual charity marathon yesterday. Photo: Jason BorgDonors at the Dar tal-Providenza annual charity marathon yesterday. Photo: Jason Borg

Funds in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza were coming in at a slower rate than usual yesterday as the 19th edition of the New Year’s Day charity marathon was a few hours away from its midnight close.

The marathon did not appear to be as well attended as in previous years either, with the bad weather probably keeping many away.

But director Martin Micallef remained hopeful when contacted in the early evening, saying “people are still giving and phoning in to make donations”.

By the time the paper went to print last night, the centre had raised just over €500,000 through its televised fundraiser. This was still some way from the €932,837 collected last year, which did not quite reach the record of €975,401 set in 2012.

The funds aim to help Id-Dar Tal-Providenza provide a family-like environment to people with severe disabilities. But keeping the centre and its high level of care going, on the back of donations from benefactors, has not been easy.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the financial situation of the home.

Yesterday’s telethon started at 9am with a Mass celebrated by former Archbishop Paul Cremona, which was followed with a packed day of entertainment, including singing and dancing.

The event, organised was by RTK 4 Charity, also featured its annual auction of paintings and others pieces of art donated by the artists themselves.

Fr Micallef said the home, which currently hosts 107 residents, needs €3.9 million a year to operate. The bulk of the money goes toward paying the salaries of its 200 employees.

Founded in 1965, Id-Dar tal-Providenza is made up of five residences. Apart from offering full-time residential care to people with disabilities it also offers respite services to their families and carers.

For more information visit dartalprovidenza.org. The auction can also be accessed online on dtpauction.com.

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