Runner's 3,000km charity challenge hits milestone after major donation
Zach Vella surpasses his fundraising goal thanks to massive boost from Alfred Mizzi Foundation
A Maltese campaigner who is running almost 3,000km across Europe to raise funds for homelessness has surpassed his fundraising goal, thanks to a €60,000 donation by the Alfred Mizzi Foundation.
Zach Vella has been running 60km per day for almost eight weeks and is now in the final stretch of his feat, having run through France, Switzerland and Italy. He is due to arrive in Malta on May 18 at around 5.30pm.
Vella undertook the Miles from Home run with the hope of raising €120,000 to help YMCA Malta develop a shelter apartment for people transitioning out of homelessness.
The Alfred Mizzi Foundation means he has now collected €134,563 for that goal.
In recognition of the foundation’s significant contribution, YMCA Malta intends to name the apartment Dar Alfred Mizzi.
“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when philanthropy, community initiatives, and frontline organisations collaborate,” said Zach Vella.
“The Alfred Mizzi Foundation’s leadership will directly improve the lives of individuals at a critical turning point.”
YMCA Malta, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, welcomed the donation.
Homelessness remains a complex and growing social challenge, affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds who face housing insecurity due to economic hardship, mental health struggles, family breakdown, or systemic barriers. For many, access to safe and structured accommodation is the critical first step toward stability, dignity, and independence.
In 2025 alone, YMCA Malta’s residential services received 405 referrals for support.
Of these, 146 people – 86 men, 57 women and 16 accompanied children - were accepted into the programme. The most common reasons for referral were financial hardship, substance abuse, and family-related issues.
During the same year, 56 individuals successfully transitioned out of residential services and moved on to independent living, reflecting the effectiveness of structured, supported housing interventions.
The housing model that YMCA Malta will be developing with the help of funds raised by Vella will provide residents with semi-independent living arrangements alongside structured support.
The apartment will house six residents.
Donations can be made at https://homebound.mt