On April 22, the Rotary Club of Gozo joined its counterpart in Alnwick, the UK, to present an orthopaedic bed, which cost €980, to the Arka Foundation in Gozo. The 50 Alnwick Rotarians raised the funds, together with a grant from the Rotary Foundation.

The English Rotarians agreed to make this donation, both as a gesture of friendship and also to establish the first-ever formal international partnership for its new counterpart on Gozo.

The 27 members of the Gozo club selected the Arka Respite Centre as the recipient of this first international Foundation-linked donation. The centre, built by the Arka Foundation under the guidance of Mgr Manuel Curmi with the help of the Gozo diocese, was opened in December 2000.

Within the well-equipped building, disabled persons of all ages, most of whom need round-the-clock care, are looked after by dedicated staff with a doctor, physiotherapist, communications therapist, nutritionist, and nurses on call.

Built on three levels, the centre can accommodate 32 clients in its 17 bedrooms. It has a therapeutic hall, two indoor heated pools, a Jacuzzi, a gymnasium, therapeutic baths, a conference room, general activity room, multi-sensory room and modern kitchen. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy its beautifully landscaped and planted gardens. The centre is open to all.

David Pace of the Gozo Rotarians told The Sunday Times that the bed purchased "symbolises the beginning of what is hoped will be a long-term international partnership between the two clubs; a partnership which will no doubt lead to many further joint initiatives and international humanitarian service projects."