The Oħloq tbissima marathon, in aid of the Missionary Society of St Paul in Peru, Pakistan and the Philippines, kicks off today for 60 hours of non-stop activities at St Joseph Home in Santa Venera. Funds collected will also go towards the home.

Last year, Fr Louis Mallia, MSSP, who is the director of CAM (Ċentru Animazzjoni Missjunarja) and CPI (Cam Productions) that organises the marathon,  travelled to Peru in South America for four weeks with a group of 16 people to help the poor.

But just like in Peru, people in Pakistan and the Philippines also live in extreme poverty: they do not have clean water nor electricity.

Houses usually consist of only one room with a bamboo roof. One can only imagine the hardships faced, especially in winter, when heavy rainfall is commonplace.

The Oħloq tbissima team does its utmost to collect funds for these people throughout the year and their hard work reaches a culmination with the annual marathon aired on the local channels Net TV, One and TVM2.

Houses usually consist of one room with a bamboo roof

Local presenters will be hosting the different activities taking place throughout the 60-hour marathon. The programme includes a children’s corner, showcasing young singers, magicians, dance companies, children’s choir and fun games featuring local actors, and discussions, hosted by Peppi Azzopardi.

The evenings will be characterised by the participationof local talent. Throughout the marathon, there will also be moments dedicated to prayer, Mass and breakfast shows.

Acting President Dolores Cristina and Archbishop Charles Scicluna will inaugurate the marathon today, surrounded by children from the La Voix Academy and Fr Karm Debattista, who will present a new song.

Tomorrow, the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil will be present at the marathon.

Families and friends are thus invited to visit St Joseph Home this weekend, where food and drinks will be available as well as a children’s area to keep the young ones entertained with face painting and fun crafts.

The telephone lines are already open for those who would like to contribute to this good cause:

• 51602004  – for a €10 donation

• 51702007  – for a €15 donation

• 51802009 – for a €25 donation.

One can also send an SMS on 50618099 to donate €4.66

There is also a pledge number – 2144 5544 – for those who would like to donate more money to help buy wooden houses for the very poor in Peru.

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