Updated 6.30am Tuesday.
€1,520,517 were donated to Dar tal-Providenza at the annual charity telethon Festa ta’ Ġenerożità on New Year's Day.
The telethon for the Siġġiewi homes for people with disabilities was televised nationally.
€1.4m were raised in a similar event last year.
The funds will also help the Home to complete refurbishment and improvements at Villa Papa Giovanni, one of the oldest sections of the home.
At the end of the twelve‑hour televised marathon, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home hoped that the solidarity shown on the first day of the new year would continue throughout the year with all those in Maltese society who need support.
Addressing the event after lunchtime, Minister for Inclusion Julia Farrugia Portelli urged people to be inclusive throughout the year and generous. She also said that €25,000 from the Good Causes Fund will be donated to the home and its residences in the community.
The event was held at the Dar tal-Providenza's parking lot and featured performances, interviews and an art auction, among other things.
The final sum collected is announced at Dar tal-Providenza.The event began at 10am with a mass at the Dar tal-Providenza chapel led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna.
Dar tal-Providenza needs more than €6.5 million a year to finance its operations. Fr Martin emphasised that the home is committed to keep offering quality service to its residents. Its key objectives are to help residents become active participants in broader society.
Donations can be made in various ways.
By telephone:
- €10 – 51602012
- €15 – 51702013
- €25 – 51802014
- €50 – 51902085
- €100 – 51302022
- SMS €7- 50618922
By bank:
Bank transfers can be made to the following local banks, using bank account details available at the Dar tal-Providenza website.
- APS Bank
- BOV
- HSBC
- Lombard Bank
- Banif Bank
By cheque:
Cheque donations must exceed €20 (by law) and can be done via a cheque addressed to Dar tal-Providenza, Triq Lapsi, is-Siggiewi SGW2822.
In person:
Donations can be made at the office of Dar tal-Providenza, at Triq San Pawl, Valletta between 9:00am and noon; at Paola Catholic Bookshop, and the Rabat Central Square.