The HSBC Cares for Children Fund is to support Appogg in the running of Smartkids. This childcare centre aims to provide a head start for underprivileged infants from Cottonera.

The fund also sponsored the Christmas party and other Christmas activities being organised by the Young People's Unit (YPU) at Mount Carmel Hospital.

HSBC Cares for Children Fund's donation to Smartkids was presented to the chief executive officer of Appogg, Joe Gerada, by HSBC Cares for Children Fund committee member Josef Camilleri.

The Smartkids programme, for children under three years of age, focuses on six primary areas of development: physical development, emotional and social development, creative development, knowledge and understanding of the world, mathematical development, and literacy and communication skills.

"Although funds have been provided for the construction of the centre, finance for the most important things like educational materials, toys and furnishings is still lacking," Mr Camilleri said.

"HSBC Cares for Children Fund, which has always worked closely with underprivileged children in Cottonera, is delighted to be able to offer its support and help Appogg provide these infants with the best environment in which to start out their lives."

Mr Camilleri presented the YPU sponsorship to Marion Saliba, nursing officer in charge of the YPU. "Children suffering from mental disorders are not always given the attention they deserve, especially Christmas festivities," he said, adding: "HSBC Cares for Children Fund, through this sponsorship, is helping to ensure that these children who are benefiting from the service offered at Mount Carmel's YPU also have an enjoyable Christmas."