New assistance service for those in need

Appogg yesterday launched Progett Tereza, a voluntary service under the programme Ulied Darna offering practical assistance to families and individuals in need.

The initiative was named Progett Tereza for Mother Teresa and for an employee - Tereza - who went out of her way to help her colleagues in their needs.

The service aims to provide donated items to people who really need them. Donated items are collected on Thursdays and are handed out on that day.

The project has been carried out in pilot form since July. Since then, 110 donations have been made and there were 109 requests for assistance.

Parliamentary secretary Dolores Cristina appealed for more volunteers. Voluntary work, she said, helped to build a sense of community and social unity.

She also appealed to housewives to donate items that were still in good condition.

Appogg executive head Joe Gerada said donated items varied from baby stuff, including food, to furniture and appliances. The project did not accept used adult clothes or cash donations.

People were referred to the service by social workers and other professionals, including priests and teachers, doctors, lawyers and local councillors.

Mr Gerada appealed for storage where donations could be kept until distribution.

People who had items to donate can call on tel. 2295 9000 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. All those who wanted to work as volunteers or had storage space to offer could call on the same number Monday to Friday during office hours.

Professionals who want to refer people for assistance may write a reference letter to Appogg Progett Tereza, 36, St Luke's Street, Guardamangia.

Project volunteers said that some of the people they came into contact with did not even have a bed to sleep on. Once helped, these people were given a new lease of life.

It was pointed out that apart from being a social project, the project was also assisting in the recycling of material.