27,000 individuals turned up as guests at the Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta in 2023, the organisation said on Saturday as it published its figures for the previous year.

The majority of the guests were Maltese (86%) and male (62%) the same report shows.

The guests were mainly from Valletta, Floriana, Marsa, Qormi, Żebbuġ, St Paul’s Bay, Kirkop, tal-Pietà, Msida, Gżira, Ħamrun, Ħal Luqa, Bormla, Birkirkara, Paola, Sliema and Fgura.

In total 98,400 lunches and 22,100 packed suppers were prepared in 2023. The organisation spent approximately €603,660 on food. Furthermore, 98 individuals who sought assistance from the Soup Kitchen found a job.

The Soup Kitchen opened its doors on 25 August 2021, and operates exclusively on donations. It employs two individuals: one on a full-time basis and the other on a part-time basis. The organisation has seven board members and 65 helpers.

The helpers hail from different countries including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

At the Soup Kitchen, guests can get access to a lawyer, nurse, social workers, as well as barbers or hairdressers.

In 2023, donations mainly came from individuals (1,160) followed by companies (121) and schools (20)

“As you can see, at the Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta, we experience a daily miracle of providence. Without the army of volunteers and the support of the donors, all this would not have been possible. Because of this, we would like to thank them and urge them to keep supporting us in our work so we can provide our guests, a life with dignity,” the Soup Kitchen said.

You can donate too!

  • APS: A/C 41286610023 MT56APSB77013000000041286610023
  • BOV: A/C 40024827012 MT46VALL22013000000040024827012
  • PAYPAL: http://www.soupkitchenofmvalletta.com/
  • Cheques payable to Soup Kitchen OFM – Valletta may be sent on 40, St Ursula Street Valletta

You can contact the Soup Kitchen on +356 7922 7570 and follow its Facebook page.

Source: Newsbook.com.mt