President George Abela this morning stressed the importance of ensuring that the stream of money that kept the Community Chest Fund going did not dry up.

Speaking during a news conference held to launch the August Moon Ball, being held at the Verdala Palace on August 7, President Abela spoke about the importance of the work done by the CCF with the sick and the needy.

In what appeared to be a reference to last year’s controversy about the registration of the CCF with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, as well as the latest controversy on recruitment by the Fund, Dr Abela said that one had to make sure that doubts were not raised about the fund’s work.

“Everything is done with utmost transparency, accounts are audited not just internally but also by external auditors and every cent is accounted for... We have a big responsibility not to dry up this stream of money,” he said.

The President said that about €1 million were given out by the CCF each year. Last June, 159 people were assisted to the tune of €96,000 and in May another 114 were helped with €95,000.

The money was spent to help sick people who were receiving treatment abroad, others who required particular treatment in Malta and the poor.

Dr Abela told journalists that they had to be responsible in the questions they asked and observations they made.

He thanked sponsors who helped in activities, such as the August Moon Ball where a lot of things were given out for free to maximise the funds raised.

Presidents, he said, came and went but the help that had to be given to the poor and the sick could never stop.

He said that there was a demand for the August Moon Ball with a public that looked forward to it and calls were already being received by the office to reserve places.