Updated - €903,564 were raised in a 'Feast of Generosity' held at Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi yesterday.
The annual fund-raiser ended just after midnight and marked the opening of the home's 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Church-run home needs almost €4m every year to get by and depends almost exclusively on the people's generosity.
The fund-raiser saw the home turned into a hive of activity as hundreds of people visited to make their donation, tour the residences and follow an entertainment programme. Many also made their donations over the phone. Various parishes made special collections and sent representatives to hand over the funds. Over €26,000 were raised from an auction of donated items.
The director, Fr Martin Micallef, said the Feast of Generosity showed the 'heart of gold' of all the Maltese people who once again showed their solidarity with Dar tal-Providenza. He thanked the civil and political authorities for their support as well as all those hundreds of volunteers that took part in the organisation of the event, this being the nineteenth year.
The theme chosen for the anniversary celebrations is: “Respect, Rights and Dignity”.
Dar tal-Providenza, a home for people with disabilities, is made up of three residences: Villa Mgr Gonzi, Villa Papa Giovanni, Villa Papa Luciani in Siggiewi and three homes in the community: ‘Dar Zerniq’ in Siggiewi, ‘Akkwarell’ in Qawra and Dar Pirotta in Birkirkara.
Infrastructural projects currently under way include the demolition and reconstruction of the courtyard portico in front of the chapel; refurbishing works in two flats in Villa Mgr Gonzi; a new lighting system in the belvedere; refurbishing of the kitchen; the installation of two new lifts at Villa Papa Giovanni and the installation of air-conditioners in Dar Pirotta.
Future plans include the building of a therapeutic pool and the purchase of two new vans.
The fund-raiser was organised by RTK Radio.