Sailing club raises Lm1,000 for children's ward

The Wonderland Ward at St Luke's Hospital has received Lm1,027 from the Vikings Sailing Club, raised from a 50-hour sailing marathon in Marsamxett Harbour in August.

During the marathon, club members gave members of the public the chance to try out dinghy sailing from its premises in Haywharf, in return for donations. A considerable amount was also donated by the Malta Maritime Authority.

Those who tried out sailing included some of the children being treated on the ward, who came down with their families.

"It was heart-warming to see them enjoy themselves. There was one little child who came down with his family and grandparents - all of them came by bus! The child loved it so much that he went out twice," marathon coordinator John Sammut said.

This is the second year that the club decided to give the funds to the ward, which is used by children with cancer.

The head of the Wonderland section, Victor Calvagna, said that money from various fundraising initiatives has been used to help children and their families, including those who require overseas treatment. A range of equipment has been purchased to be used by the patients and their parents, including televisions, DVDs, videos and computers. Beds were bought and a kitchen was installed for use by the parents who spend long hours with their children. A playroom has also been kitted out.

As part of the club money was to be used on a Multiplus package, the club contacted the digital television company, and Multiplus managing director Jan Spiteri agreed to give a considerable discount.

Vikings is planning other fundraising events but the main focus now is on trying to find sponsors for specialised dinghies that can be sailed by paraplegics, as part of a Razzett tal-Hbiberija initiative through an international programme called Sailability. The idea is to run the programme from the club's premises, which are currently undergoing a complete refurbishment.

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