Inspire’s Boxing Day Jingle Bell Jog has become a highly anticipated event, whereby participants make their way to the Sliema seafront to walk, jog, cycle or run five kilometres in aid of Inspire’s disability programmes.
The Jingle Bell Jog ensured that participants of all fitness levels were able to find their niche, as they were encouraged to take their own pace by either walking, jogging or running the distance along the Sliema seafront.
In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, participants wore red clothes and some even decked their bikes with tinsel and other festive decorations. Many were given Santa hats decked with bells, donated by Ooii.com.mt, making the atmosphere even more special.
“We were delighted to see over 200 people attend our event this morning” said Maria Vella-Galea, fundraising and marketing manager at Inspire.
“Perhaps the guilt feelings of having consumed so many calories yesterday helped increase the numbers, but we are sure those taking part had Inspire’s beneficiaries in mind.”
All those taking part were treated to hot coffee and mulled wine, compliments of the Preluna Hotel and Marks and Spencer.
Inspire is a non-profit organisation that leads the way in providing therapeutic, education and leisure services to people with disabilities.
Through close relations with parents, Government and the business community, it aims to reach out and help those who are excluded, giving them choice and opportunity and emphasising their human rights and equal access to independence, education, employment, leisure and an inclusive community.
“Inspire’s programmes cost around €3 million per year and our services are either completely free or heavily subsidised. We, therefore, depend on voluntary help, volunteering and social enterprise to continue to provide support to those in need to be able to make a difference in their lives,” added Ms Vella-Galea.
Inspire is also the official charity for the Malta Marathon, Half Marathon and Walkathon and invites runners and walkers who have not yet registered to do so through Inspire. A percentage of the registration fee will be donated to Inspire.
More information can be obtained by sending an e-mail to events@inspire.org.mt.