Lm1m <i>l-Istrina</i> target to benefit 15 charities

Fifteen charitable organisations will benefit from this year's l-Istrina, the annual fund-raising marathon organised by Where's Everybody?, which has set itself the target of Lm1 million.

Last year, four organisations benefited from more than Lm900,000 which was collected during the popular marathon that is entering its 12th edition this year.

The news of the Lm1 million target meant many voluntary organisations and charities came forward to get a share of the proceeds. The 15 were chosen by a special selection committee headed by Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima.

The Malta Community Chest Fund will once again get 50 per cent of the proceeds, while Eden Foundation will receive 12.5 per cent and Caritas, 7.5 per cent.

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

The Children's Cancer Support Group, The Millennium Chapel, Suret il-Bniedem, 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.

The team behind the organisation of l-Istrina is hoping that on December 27, between noon and midnight, it will rain cats and dogs so people will remain indoors to watch the show and help the team reach its challenge of Lm1 million.

"It wasn't easy to convince the team to set such an ambitious target but the public enjoys a challenge and there are so many people who are in need of our help - whether we reach our target is now in your (public) hands," Peppi Azzopardi said.

This year l-Istrina, which will be presented by Mr Azzopardi and Valerie Vella, will include ample entertainment and loads of prizes including eight cars, a maisonette in Gozo and over Lm100,000 worth of gifts.

Mr Azzopardi, who has been involved in the marathon's organisation since the first edition, said each year the team vows not to be involved in its organisation but is then swayed when members see so many suffering in silence.

"When you visit the hospitals you don't have the heart not to help," he said.

Mr Azzopardi mentioned a heartrending example of a seven-year-old boy in need of a bone marrow transplant, who is in a UK hospital with his parents. Tests have shown that his parents cannot be donors and his 10-month-old sister is the only one who matches - the risks involved are immense.

"At least today I can safely say that if I die tomorrow l-Istrina will go on, because it has a life of its own - this is a national feast of solidarity," he said.

Solidarity will truly be present during this year's show after the Labour Party lifted its previous boycott on events organised by Where's Everybody?

When questioned, Mr Azzopardi confirmed that l-Istrina, will be jointly broadcast on TVM as well as Net TV and Super 1 TV.

Mr Azzopardi announced that discussions were underway with President Guido de Marco to set up an animal welfare organisation run by the MCCF which could give a percentage of the proceeds to animal organisations.

A mini-Istrina for animals is planned for next year, following numerous appeals to acknowledge the work of all those who with great sacrifice care for animals on behalf of society.

"We had planned to organise this mini-Istrina earlier this year but the election and EU referendum disrupted plans. Hopefully, everything will fall into place and we will hold it in the middle of next year," he said.