A great drive for charity campaign

Nine Kia cars bought by companies and individuals were yesterday presented to L-Istrina organisers to be drawn by lot on the December 26 charity marathon.

Car importers this year broke with the tradition of donating a car each to L-Istrina following the government's decision to waive Lm1 million in car registration taxes and VAT on the luxury BMWs auctioned after CHOGM.

L-Istrina, however, managed to get hold of its most attractive lottery prize which every year entices people to make extra phone calls to donate money. The cars and other gifts are drawn and each person who sends in a donation by phone becomes eligible to participate.

Among the Lm230,000 worth of prizes to be won is the pen used by Queen Elizabeth II during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last month.

Besides the Malta Community Chest Fund, which will receive half the proceeds, some 33 organisations are expected to benefit from the funds raised.

President Eddie Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami attended the announcement of prizes in Valletta yesterday.