Thomas Smith staff presented cheques to two NGOs – the Richmond Foundation and Noah’s Ark Sanctuary – earlier this month.

The money was raised through staff donations last year in return for wearing casual attire to work. Every Friday is a dress-down day at Thomas Smith Group, with the intent to collect donations from staff and help those in need. Randomly selected employees then nominate benefiting charities.

Daniela Calleja Bitar, operations manager at the Richmond Foundation, who received the €1,000 donation, praised the group’s staff for the support shown towards the initiative and its volunteers and for choosing the foundation, as this will in turn raise awareness on mental health.

Sanctuary president Fabio Ciappara also received a €1,000 donation and thanked employees for the generous amount, which will go towards the running of the sanctuary.

Donations were presented by the group’s marketing and HR manager Liana Cachia and employees Giselle Farrugia and Roderick Cristina. The group and its employees recognise the importance of charitable organisations and their need for funding. Since the inception of Dress Down Fridays, the programme has donated more than €24,500 to Thomas Smith staff in need, as well as local charities. Hospice Malta and Puttinu Cares Foundation also benefitted from the employees’ solidarity fund last year.