Id-Dar tal-Providenza was yesterday transformed into a bustling hub of cheerfulness and goodwill as its annual fundraising marathon raked in a record amount from generous donors across the islands.
The figure collected by the time the paper went to print last night was €836,884, surpassing last year’s €813,212, then an all-time high.
The marathon in aid of the 98 disabled residents, termed “The Feast of Generosity”, came on the back of L-Istrina’s record-busting sum of €3,294,997 raised for the Malta Community Chest Fund.
This is the 17th year that RTK 4 Charity has organised the marathon at Siġġiewi, supported by APS Bank.
Throughout the day, people of all ages wandered through the premises mingling with its smiling, friendly residents.
The hundreds who flocked to the home had the opportunity to join guided tours and witness at first hand how their monetary donations are being put to use.
Some 500 volunteers helped put together and run the packed programme of events, which kicked off at 9am with Mass, followed by a line-up of song and dance acts which lasted into the night.
“This is my fourth year volunteering at the annual marathon,” Anna Bonello told The Times, while selling lottery tickets.
‘Feast of Generosity’
“It’s an incredible feeling to see the joy which lights up the residents’ faces. It’s truly indescribable.”
The fundraising event included an art auction of 103 works donated by over 80 Maltese and foreign artists. The vast array of pieces, which were previously displayed at the Mdina Cathedral Museum, included 10 number plates used at the 5+5 Summit as well as a bronze sculpture by the late Anton Agius which attracted the highest bid of all: €2,200.
For the first time, the bidding was also held online through web portal www.dartalprovidenzaauctions.com.
The items that no one had bid for by 9pm could be later bought at their starting price.
A stall lined with plants, sweet-smelling herbs, fresh fruit, jars of jam and olive oil, manned by the residents themselves, was also open to the public. All agricultural produce was grown by the residents at the St Isidor Agriculture Centre located within the premises.
President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat and Archbishop Paul Cremona also visited the fundraising marathon to lend their support.
According to director Martin Micallef, the home needs some €3.5 million a year in order to operate.
Set up in 1965 by Dun Mikiel Azzopardi, Id-Dar tal-Providenza houses 98 people with mental and physical disabilities on a permanent basis and provides respite services to an additional 65.
This year, a semi-independent residence by the name of Dar l-Akkwarell has been set up in Qawra.