Dreams become reality for TV charity marathon benefactors

The Lm1 million raised by l-Istrina on Saturday will enable some of the 15 benefactors of this year's TV marathon to realise projects they have so far only dreamed of.

This year the Malta Community Chest Fund will once again get half the proceeds while the Eden Foundation will receive 12.5 per cent and Caritas, 7.5 per cent.

Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Djar tal-Knisja Ghall-Anzjani, the YMCA and the Emigrants' Commission will each receive five per cent.

The Children's Cancer Support Group, The Millennium Chapel, Suret il-Bniedem, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, Ghaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigh, Daritama, Parroquia Sant Tomos Appostolo and the Ghana Mission Foundation will all get 1.25 per cent each.

Speaking on behalf of the Community Chest Fund, President Guido de Marco heaped praise on Peppi Azzopardi and Valerie Vella as well as the formidable team of Where's Everybody?, the organisers of this annual fund-raising marathon, and on the volunteers for their untiring energy.

"Saturday's l-Istrina was a great show of solidarity which saw the participation of all the political parties, the country's leaders and so many others - I am so proud to be the president of this country," he said.

Though he was confident that the ambitious target of Lm1 million would be reached, Prof. de Marco said that at times he got nervous.

"In the end I knew the Maltese would take on the challenge and call to donate to help those in need - society has truly realised that, in the end, we all need one another," he said.

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca said he appreciated the generosity of the Maltese when it came to lending a helping hand and digging their hands into their pockets. However, he added, "we can never give enough in the face of people's suffering and pain".

Mgr Mercieca said that apart from children with health and physical problems there were also those who were denied the love of parents and were deprived of their fundamental right to be loved.

It was their right to live in the "warmth and unity" of their parents, he said, encouraging separated couples to forgive each other and make sacrifices for the good of their children.

Eden Foundation director Josie Muscat said the money received by the foundation would be going towards finding a building in Valletta that would be developed as an arts centre for adults with disabilities.

"The children we have taken care of for years have grown into adults who are entering our community and sometimes it can get lonely. This project will be a place for them to unwind and develop their interest and abilities through the arts, music and drama," Dr Muscat said.

Eden's intention was that this centre would be open to everybody, with disabilities or without.

The general manager of Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Nathan Farrugia praised the political parties for setting aside any differences this year to work towards a common goal.

This is the second consecutive year that Razzett tal-Hbiberija is benefiting from l-Istrina. Part of last year's funds went towards the centre's running costs and the rest went towards the construction of its new multi-sensory project.

This project, which costs Lm150,000 and should open by the middle of next year, will provide free therapy to those with cognitive and communicative disabilities.

"L-Istrina has given us the opportunity to grow and develop instead of having to downsize," Mr Farrugia said.

YMCA is also hoping to officially open its new shelter for abused women and children in Valletta by February with the support of the money coming from l-Istrina.

YMCA Valletta chairman Jean-Paul Mifsud said the shelter would cost about Lm100,000 to run, so the money would at least cover half the costs, allowing them to start the year on a good note.