The Malta Guide Dogs Foundation (MGDF) was presented with a donation by Fimbank employees as the company bade farewell to its president Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger during a ceremony at its head office in St Julian’s.

Fimbank chairman John Grech said the money was collected by the bank’s 200 staff members based in Malta. Lütschg-Emmenegger personally doubled the amount donated.

Grech thanked the outgoing president for her contribution to Fimbank’s success during the term of her tenure, adding that her expertise would continue to be tapped by the bank in her new role as adviser.

“We take our corporate social responsibility seriously and as a Malta-based financial institution, we are particularly sensitive to members of the local community with special needs,” Grech said.

“As is our tradition at Fimbank, the money collected goes towards a worthy cause every year. This year we decided to donate to the MGDF.”

Lütschg-Emmenegger thanked Fimbank staff members, who, she said, had been like a family to her for the past 12 years.

“I hope to stay in touch, continue to be proud of you and to see you work hard to take the bank to the next level,” she said.

MGDF chairman Leone Sciberras thanked the bank for the generous donation and looked forward to further cooperation in the years to come.

“Many adults who become visually impaired and may have a career and a family lose their jobs due to a lack of rehabilitation training,” he said.

“These vary from basic skills, such as mobility and orientation, to independent living and general communication skills. It is for this reason that the foundation plans to build a rehabilitation centre in Ta’ Qali that will enable us to offer more free services, including the training and exercise of guide dogs, independent living and other rehabilitation training.”

Among those who attended the presentation ceremony were Lütschg-Emmenegger’s husband Serge Lütschg, Anne Grech, trustees and clients of the foundation, as well as several guide dogs, including one of the puppies, Justie, which is being raised by a local family .