Following five months of gruelling training, Daniel Abela, Ruben Vassallo and Neville Calleja are putting the finishing touches to their plan to row from Sardinia to Malta to raise a large sum for Children in Need in the Rowing Challenge 2, supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation.
The men will brave harsh conditions and a tough 600-kilometre journey in an effort to beat the €92,000 Abela had raised in his solo challenge, which saw him row from Sicily to Malta in 2008. That sum has since made it possible for 21 families to enjoy an all-expenses-paid holiday with their sick children.
This year, funds raised will go to Children in Need, a foundation founded and chaired by Abela to help as many disadvantaged children in Malta as possible.
“This foundation brings together Puttinu and Inspire, two of Malta’s leading children’s charities,” Mr Abela explained.
“It is a project that will see the two work together for the greater good, and will specifically support two of their key upcoming initiatives, as well as offer additional funding to other charities or individual cases that might need support. Every cent will be injected into the foundation’s efforts, since all our expenses are going to be covered by ourselves,” he said.
Two of the projects already highlighted to receive funds are: Puttinu Cares, which together with Beyond the Moon, will send children suffering from cancer or other illnesses and their families on a dream holiday to Disneyland Paris; and the setting up of Inspire’s educational centre, specifically aimed at helping children with learning disabilities, such as autism and dyslexia, which is a first for Malta.
In support of the initiative, Vodafone Malta Foundation chairwoman Ġemma Mifsud Bonnici said the relationship between the foundation and Mr Abela went back a long way.
“We first supported him in 2006 when he walked underwater, and then in 2008 when he took on the challenge to row single-handedly from Sicily to Malta in aid of the Puttinu Children’s Cancer Support Group and Beyond the Moon. This year, we are more than happy to support him again. Over the past few years, we’ve helped more than 20 families realise their dream vacation with their children,” she added.
The rowing trio, who have been trained under the careful guidance of Iman Galea, are now gearing up for the tough 10-day experience. “We’re totally on our own, but it’s worthwhile,” said Mr Calleja.
Those who wish to donate can send a cheque to the Children in Need Foundation, 217/ 1, September Avenue, Naxxar, NXR 1013.