Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and opposition leader Joseph Muscat put aside their political differences yesterday to make a joint appeal for donations at the annual Oħloq Tbissima charity fundraiser.

Casually dressed in short-sleeved open shirts, the two party leaders stood in an assembly line set up across four tables and together packed hot dogs, baked beans, rice, packet soup and sugar in cardboard boxes at St Joseph’s Home in Santa Venera. Now in its 10th edition, the 60-hour marathon kicked off on Friday and ends tonight at midnight.

It is in aid of the Missionary Society of St Paul missions in Peru, Pakistan and The Philippines and for evangelisation through the media.

Both Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat urged the public to donate and support a cause that helped out people in need abroad.

“The Missionary Society’s cause brings us together and goes that extra step as not only does it help people in Malta but those overseas,” Dr Gonzi said.

Around 1,200 of the boxes filled with food, worth €15 each, will be packed into a container and sent to a mission. On average, the MSSP ships out three containers of food, medicines and clothes a year.

Last month, however, an extra five containers – three with bathroom equipment and two with food and clothes – were sent to the MSSP’s mission in Arequipa, Peru, together with a group of 77 Maltese volunteers including President George Abela who spent three weeks there.

Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat were also joined by Education Minister Dolores Cristina and Labour MPs Owen Bonnici and Luciano Busuttil, while the opposition leader’s twin daughters helped pack tiny packets of chewy sweets.

The marathon is being aired on Favourite TV with links on TVM, Net and One. Donations can be made by calling 5160 2004 for €10, 5170 2007 for €15 or 5180 2009 for €25 or by texting 5061 8099 for €4.66.