Funds raised for needy children

Staff of Appogg agency took on a different role to help children lacking basic needs and so risk being sidelined by peers; they organised a 50-hour car wash marathon that raised Lm1,405.

A fund managed by an Appogg committee of social workers covers various expenses normally needed by children and young persons such as school uniforms, books, money for outings, payment for extra curricular lessons, medicine, medical consultants' visits, special aids, clothing and transport.

The fund, established a year ago, has so far provided support to a number of children who have been helped to remain engaged with their peers and has also relieved the burden that some families experience when they are unable to afford certain basic needs. The nature of the fund requires that children are the direct beneficiaries of all the support given.

The social workers were also supported by a large number of volunteers including a number of girl guides.

The social workers were visited by the Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Dolores Cristina, and the Commissioner for Children, Sonia Camilleri. Both expressed their gratitude to the social workers in their effort not only to provide social work services, but also to go beyond the call of duty and run a marathon to raise funds for children.

Joe Gerada, chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said that such funds were extremely important when social workers were putting together a care plan for these children. He hoped that people would raise and donate funds for this purpose over the Christmas season.

The Appogg offices are located at 36, St Luke's Road, Guardamangia, and can be reached on 2295 9000.