Five homes offering services to people in challenging circumstances benefited from voluntary work carried out by five leading organisations on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Day, celebrated annually on March 19.

The companies participating this year were Deloitte, Gasan Group of Companies, HSBC Bank Malta, Simonds Farsons Cisk and Tumas Group. The five companies pooled funds and voluntary work to carry out jobs at desig-nated homes for children and adults facing difficult social situations.

They were also be supported by members of Junior Chamber International (Malta), the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of Malta and employees from the HSBC Call Centre in Swatar.

This year, Deloitte employees continued the work started last year at Aġenzija Appoġġ/Dar Qalb ta' Ġesù in St Venera.

Employees of Gasan Group of Companies helped out at Inspire Marsascala (formerly known as Razzett tal-Ħbiberija), while HSBC staff redecorated the premises at Villa Chelsea, the half-way house for people with mental health problems in Birkirkara, and Arka Foundation in Gozo.

Simonds Farsons Cisk employees volunteered at Fra Diegu Home in Ħamrun, while Tumas Group staff members carried out work at the Young People's unit in Attard.

"Every company is aware that its success depends on the community where it operates and as responsible corporates we feel it is our duty to support those members of society who are particularly vulnerable, like children coming from difficult backgrounds and adults facing other social problems," said Doriette Camilleri, on behalf of the CSR Day organising committee, made up of a representative from each of the participating companies.