It was thanks to the annual charity campaign Families In Need, organised by RTK Radio, that about 60 families and 120 children were able to afford buying food and medicine, Mgr Victor Zammit McKeon, director of the Central office for Children's Homes, said.

Children of refugees and the House for the Clergy also benefited from the campaign, which has just been launched.

Fr Alfred Vella, from the Refugees Section of the Emigrants' Commission, said the assistance extended to refugee families allowed them to at least have the basic necessities, "not to live in luxury... but in dignity".

The House for the Clergy, explained Mgr Norrie Bonavia, offered shelter to elderly priests after rendering a pastoral service to society.

The campaign reaches its climax on December 20 when a party for all the children benefiting from this fund-raising activity is held.

Donations can be made either at RTK offices in Blata l-Bajda or via telephone as follows: 5004 9353 to donate €7; 5004 9355 for €12 and 5004 9350 for €23.

A donation of €7 can be made by sending an SMS on 5061 8921.