Maltese Rotarians 'untied for charity'

Rotary's formal image is being discarded temporarily for a good cause as Rotarians all over Malta strip off their neckwear and donate it to the "Untied Rotarian" campaign to raise funds for Dar il-Kaptan, the respite home for people with disabilities.

As the tenth anniversary of Dar il-Kaptan approaches, Malta's newly formed Rotary Club La Valette Malta inaugurated this new fund-raising initiative during its charter event on April 7. First to untie himself and inaugurate the campaign was International President Richard D. King, who donated his tie and a generous cheque, on the spot... inspiring many fellow Rotarians present to follow suit.

The idea behind the "Untied Rotarians" campaign is to gather ties and cash donations from fellow Rotarians and the public, using funds generated to assist Dar il-Kaptan in their continuous efforts to offer respite to persons with disabilities and their families.

Over the next few weeks, Rotary Club La Valette will be organising a number of activities to give people the opportunity to participate in the campaign. President Guido de Marco has already committed himself to join in by donating his favourite tie... while a host of TV show presenters and local personalities are supporting the initiative with enthusiasm, giving Rotary Club La Valette the unique opportunity to loosen the ties on many a prestigious neck before the campaign is over.

Sunday, June 30, will see the entire collection of ties displayed on the Sliema Front, between the Tower and Il-Fortizza, when ties will be collected from 6.30 p.m. onwards.

Rotary Club La Valette, Malta, is appealing for as many people as possible to take a stroll along the promenade that evening. The challenge is to stretch a long row of ties from the Tower to Il-Fortizza, the aim is to collect funds for Dar il-Kaptan.

Too hot to wear a tie? Don't worry... just slip one into your pocket on your way out and bring it to the activity... your donations of both ties and cash are most welcome!

The money collected during the campaign will be used to pave the playground area at Dar il-Kaptan. The ties will then be used for the creation of artistic works by well known local artists together with the residents of Dar il-Kaptan. These will then be sold to raise more funds.

Dar il-Kaptan offers the essential service of planned breaks to the families of persons with disabilities, by providing temporary accommodation to the disabled family member. The home offers short-term residential stay options, day services or in home respite.

Rotary Club Malta originated the creation of Dar il-Kaptan and the newly-formed Rotary Club La Valette is proud to add its contribution.