Voluntary organisations, government and local councils should make a coordinated effort to tackle poverty, President George Abela said yesterday.

“In such a small country we surely know who these people are… we need to stop closing our eyes to the problem,” he said during the official opening of the annual BJs Live Music Marathon that runs until April 16.

Dr Abela encouraged businesses to cooperate and give something back so society. Funds collected during the marathon will go to WOW (Wishing Others Well) which is the social arm of the Millennium Chapel in Paceville.

Chaplain Fr Saviour Grima spoke about poverty he witnessed on a daily basis. WOW, that has 100 volunteers and 14 psychotherapists, supports some 250 families by helping them with basic needs.

He spoke about families who could not afford to buy nappies and milk for their babies and a family-of-five living in a derelict building.

BJs managing director Philip Fenech said he had been involved in organising the marathon for over 20 years. More than €300,000 had been collected for different charitable causes during this time.

As he stood on the stage of the newly-refurbished BJs, that was officially inaugurated yesterday, he explained that the refurbishment was necessary to allow the bar to follow modern trends and sound technologies while maintaining the soul of the venue.

The stage and music equipment had been designed for the acoustics of the venue that aims to offer a space where musicians can express themselves in various styles of live music including Jazz, Blues, Soul and Rock.

Millennium Chapel founder Fr Hilary Tagliaferro blessed the new BJs and joked: “I believe that who does not like music will not make it into heaven.”

Donations can be made by sending an SMS to the following number: 5061 7378 (€2.33), 5061 8976 (€4.66) or 5061 8901 (€6.99). Cash donations are accepted at the door during the event.

For more information visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/events/379369378745970/ or text 9949 3534.