Update 7.50pm

The 14th edition of the Oħloq Tbissima marathon has already raised €26,060 in its first six hours, organisers said this evening. The marathon will carry on uninterrupted until Sunday 17 July at midnight.

Almost half of that sum, €12,500, was donated to the marathon by the Good Causes Fund. Finance Minister Edward Scicluna presented the donation on behalf of the fund. 

The marathon will feature music, dance, discussion panels, children's sections and even a police dog show. 

Oħloq Tbissima seeks to raise missionary awareness whilst collecting funds in aid of the MSSP missions in Peru, Pakistan, the Philippines and locally at St. Joseph Home in St. Venera.

The MSSP's Peru mission is its biggest, with missionaries there caring for a number of parishes. Its Pakistan mission focuses on a girls' school, allowing young girls there to complete their education and encouraging Muslim and Christian integration. The MSSP's Philippines mission is a relatively new one and is based on encouraging youths to further their studies and become community leaders. 

Archbishop Charles Scicluna thanked those who show solidarity to MSSP missions both locally and abroad, He encouraged people to be generous and donate, thus showing true concrete love towards others. He also encouraged people to visit the marathon.

Acting President Dolores Cristina recalled her years of participating in the marathon's hamper activity, during which boxes are filled with food to be sent by container to Peru. She went on to say that it is such a great thing that notwithstanding the sacrifices such a marathon involves, the

She went on to say that it is such a great thing that notwithstanding the sacrifices such a marathon involves, the volunteers not only help out financially but also dedicate their time. 

St Joseph Home director Louis Mallia said that just like today’s wind helps ease the heat of the day this marathon provides comfort to those in need.

Regional Superior of the Missionary Society of St. Paul Frankie Cini said that St. Joseph Home may be referred to as the local face of the marathon.

Ohloq Tbissima is being streamed live.  There will be various links on TVM, TVM2, ONE TV and NET TV.

Donations can be made online or by using the numbers below.

€10 -  51602004
€15 -  51702007
€25 -  51802009
SMS €4.66 - 50618099

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