Balancing act for charity. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA record sum exceeding €3,400,000 were collected during L-Istrina yesterday, proving yet again the Maltese people’s generosity and spirit of solidarity.
The sum surpassed/almost reached last year’s record of €3,292,890 for the annual telethon in aid of the Community Chest Fund, to the evident joy and satisfaction of the organisers and of President George Abela. This is the last time L-Istrina was held under the patronage of Dr Abela whose tenure of office ends in April.
The 12-hour event kicked off at midday at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta. Within four hours, the sum had already exceeded €1 million.
At the opening, four dance troupes kitted out in sparkling blue, green, red and silver costume, stormed the stage to the beat of some well known songs as President Abela and his wife, Margaret, held a sign which read: “Thank you from the heart.”
While the MCC turned into a hive of activity, with bouncy castles and Disney characters keeping children entertained, local talent took the centre stage in the main hall.
Live links were also made to Smart City Malta, the Costa Deliziosa Cruise ship in Valletta and Teatru Astra in Gozo.
The charity marathon was aired on all major Maltese TV stations.
The rainy weather did not deter people from going to the MCC to personally hand in their donations.
TV personalities took turns at presenting the show and introduced a large number of games involving politicians from both sides of the House.
I am certain the Maltese people will once again express their generosity
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat paid tribute to the energy and vibrancy that Dr Abela brought to the Community Chest Fund and its main fundraising event.
Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said he was certain the Maltese people will once again express their generosity.
President Abela told Times of Malta he would continue to give his contribution.
Contributions were made by people from all walks of life and several large companies also sent their representatives to make their donations.
Banif Bank topped the list of donors by making the largest single contribution of almost €322,000.
The sum was collected via The President’s Charity Fun Run held earlier this month, an event that attracted a record 14,600 runners and joggers who dared the inclement weather to raise funds for charity. The bank doubled the proceeds. The sum was presented to Dr Abela by the bank’s chairman, Michael Frendo.
The bank has supported the President’s Charity Fun Run for five years and made a collective contribution of over €1.1 million.
Bank of Valletta doubled the figure it raised through its piggy bank campaign and presented €200,000.
The money was presented by chief executive Charles Borg accompanied by a number of children holding BOV piggy banks. Over 5,000 piggy banks were distributed to schools across Malta and Gozo as well as to retail outlets.
The HSBC Malta Foundation donated €100,000 to L-Istrina, as the main sponsor of the event and of the Malta Community Chest Fund. The donation was presented to Dr Abela by HSBC Malta chief executive officer Mark Watkinson.
HSBC supplemented its donation by additional funds raised during the year through various staff activities including a cross-country triathlon that raised €4,000 and a poinsettia-for-charity initiative, which raised €2,500.
Donations over the years
2012 – €3,294,997
2011 – €2,566,539
2010 – €2,332,410
2009 – €2,329,792
2008 – €1,227,009
2007 – €1,398,313
2006 – €1,164,687
2005 – €3,207,547
2004 – €1,899,350