A record €1,255,269 were raised during the annual Dar tal-Providenza’s Feast of Generosity on New Year’s day, held with the support of RTK Radio.

€980,911 were raised last year.

The telethon came just a week after more than €6 million were raised for charity in L-Istrina.

Large crowds made it to the home Siġġiewi during the day to give their donation under a big tent that was set up in the parking lot.

Various parishes in Malta and Gozo made special collections during church celebrations and presented them during the telethon.

Home director Fr Martin Micallef thanked the people as he said he felt humbled by the sum collected. The money, he said, would continue to ensure a high level of individualised residential services to persons with disabilities in full respect of their rights and dignity.

Visitors to the telethon included Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, who also celebrated Mass in the home’s chapel.

Other visits during the day were made President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Nationalist Party deputy leaders Robert Arrigo and David Agius. PN leader Adrian Delia is abroad.
€20,967.43 was collected from Gozo.

A total €34,300 were raised through an auction of various works of art donated by more than 100 Maltese and foreign artists.

The live television broadcast started at 9am with Holy Mass and continued untili midnight. TVM, TVM2, One and Net covered long stretches of the marathon.

Entertainment was provided by the top singers on the island who create a festive family atmosphere.