Caritas is still facing substantial financial problems according to assistant director Mgr Carmelo Farrugia.

Addressing a press conference at the NGO’s San Blass rehabilitation centre, Mgr Farrugia said he would do everything within his power to avoid having to downsize any of the voluntary organisation’s operations.

Last month Caritas Director Mgr Victor Grech said the organisation would need an influx of funds to sustain its drug rehabilitation programmes.

Today’s conference announced this year’s edition of Caritas Week. The seven-day fund raiser, being held between September 27 and October 6, will see a myriad of activities culminating in the Caritas Trail. The three pronged trail invites civilians to walk, run or cycle to raise funds for the NGO’s different services.

The trail is sponsored by Bank of Valletta and Maltapost.

Mgr Farrugia said he hoped for an increased charitable response from civilians, who he said were all affected by the scourge of substance abuse.

“Yes we are still facing tough financial times and more people are coming every year, we need to find more funds,” he said.

Last year Caritas took in 694 drug users at a total cost of €1.2 million.

To take part in the Caritas trail ask for a participant form at any BOV or Maltapost branch or download online from the www.caritasmalta.org.

Participation is against a donation of €10.