€1.56 million raised in Dar tal-Providenza fundraiser
Home for people with disabilities needs over €7 million a year to operate
Updated Friday 6.15 am
The annual fundraiser in aid of Dar tal-Providenza collected €1.56 million on New Year's Day.
The over 12-hour event kicked off on Thursday at 9.30am and closed at midnight, with a sum of €1,556,453, €16,000 more than last year's collection.
The Festa ta’ Ġenerożita was broadcast on local TV stations, in an effort to collect funds for the residence that needs over €7 million a year to operate.
The event kicked off with a mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna in the Siġġiewi's home chapel.
At the end of the televised marathon, Mgr. Martin Micallef, the director of the Home, said that the solidarity shown towards Dar Tal-Providenza on the first day of the year will continue throughout the rest of the year.
Art auctions, including the selling and bidding of paintings, sculptures and ceramics, donated by various Maltese and foreign artists, raised €49,229. Gozo parishes collected €41,560.
The government donated €25,000 to the fundraiser.
Last year, over €1.5 million was raised on New Year's Day by midnight, surpassing the €1.4 million raised the previous year.
Dar tal-Providenza is a home in Siġġiewi for over 150 people with disabilities. It also operates four community homes in Siġġiewi, Qawra, Birkirkara and Żurrieq.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna saying mass at Dar tal-Providenza with Fr Martin Micallef (right). Photo: Archdiocese of MaltaThe stories of residents at Dar tal-Providenza are being featured on the residence's Facebook page.
People can donate BOV Mobile or myAPS Payment to mobile on 7932 4834.
Alternatively, people can call on 5170 2013 for a €15 donation, 5180 2014 for a €25 donation, 5190 2085 for a €50 donation and 5130 2022 for a €100 donation.
Donations can also be made through PayPal here.