Generosity sparkled again yesterday as over €3,250,000 were collected by 11pm during the annual TV fundraising marathon L-Istrina in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
With an hour still to go, the amount was very close to last year’s record sum of €3,414,386.
The 12-hour event kicked off at midday at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta.
This was the first time the event had been held under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who assumed office in April.
As personalities, politicians and local talent kept the audience entertained, the transmission was punctuated by inspirational clips of some of the past beneficiaries, including Jeanesse Abela and Jacob Cachia. Ms Abela, who has cerebral palsy, told Times of Malta the MCCF helped her purchase a wheelchair and enjoy life to the full like other youths.
The MCCF also supported the charity she chairs – Living Ability Not Disability (LAND) – by helping out with various expenses such as transport during a variety of outings and helping pay assistants of physically disabled members of the group during weekend breaks and travel abroad.
Former beneficiaries Jeanesse Abela and Jacob Cachia enjoy a dance.“The MCCF helps me and LAND to be independent because we can’t afford to buy everything on our own.
“It enabled us to socialise and live life like other people,” the 38-year-old said.
‘Titanium Man’ Mr Cachia, 16, earned his nickname after undergoing an operation in March to replace a missing part of his skull with a titanium plate. Last year, he contracted a deadly brain infection that nearly claimed his life. His mother, Sarah, said last year the MCCF had helped the family buy an arm splint to improve movement in his left arm after he was affected by partial paralysis.
“Progress is slow but we believe Jacob will never stop amazing us.”
Ms Cachia said that in the two months during which her son was critical, both herself and her husband, Sammy, had to stop working.
“After two months, Sammy had to go back to work. I could not as I stayed by Jacob’s bedside throughout his hospitalisation. Our bank accounts are empty but, thankfully, Jacob lived and he is improving slowly but surely. I know that we can rely on the MCCF if ever the need arises.”
Ms Cachia and her family set up the Facebook community Survivors Malta after realising that, when they were going through the experience, they craved hearing stories of survivors so they could dare to hope.
The bulk of the money raised yesterday will fund chemotherapy, as Ms Coleiro Preca said there were patients who required such treatment that cost €11,000 a month.
A percentage of the sum will go to the Voluntary Organisations Fund. In a break from the norm, this year the voluntary organisations that will benefit were not announced this month but will be known next year after they submit a detailed plan of their projects.
To benefit, the organisations will need to address one of the following sectors: children’s upbringing and education, employment, health, poverty, disability, dialogue and ecology.
The chosen projects will be announced on May 4.
Substantial donations were made by, among others, Banif Bank (€335,420), Bank of Valletta (€135,000) and HSBC Malta Foundation (€50,000 plus a further €6,500 from other HSBC activities).