The residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, a home of persons with disability in Siggiewi now have access to a brand new twenty-two-seater Tail Lift Coach that can also accommodate up to ten wheelchairs. Various Companies and the Malta Community Chest Fund joined together to support id-Dar tal-Providenza in buying this new coach which was inaugurated Thursday, August 19th by the Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP.
Adriana Zarb Adami, Branch Manager of Bupa spearheaded the project with the help of Marquita Bugejja that took off after a meeting between Chris J. Pace, Director Global Capital plc and Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home. Adriana said “it’s a pleasure to be part of a project that helps in improving the lifestyle of persons with disability” and she spared no time in contacting corporate companies to raise money towards the purchase of a tail-lift coach for the residents and help make a dream come true.
During the inauguration ceremony, Fr Martin emphasized that accessible transport for persons with disability offers them equal opportunities for social inclusion and employment options. He added that the shared vision at Id-Dar tal-Providenza is to have every resident involved while participating in the community. The participation and engagement requires having access to safe, available and accessible transport. The residents will now have more access participating in different aspects of their lives as equal citizens of our society. Fr Martin thanked the various companies and The Malta Community Chest Fund that joined together to support id-Dar tal-Providenza in purchasing this new coach.
Brian Micallef, one of the residents at Id-Dar tal-Providenza, stated that there is a great need to accessible public transport. At this time, the idea of having access to such a necessity requires efforts from many people in the community.
Whilst taking the time to thank all the sponsors involved, Chris J. Pace said that although this Tail Lift Coach is a very important contribution to the Id-Dar tal-Providenza, as a volunteer, he believes that sharing one’s time with residents is extremely valuable. The residents will benefit and feel included when there is a face-to-face companion. Please get involved, he said, and put aside some of your time in your busy schedule to be a friend.
The Tail Lift Coach is Euro 4 compliant and adheres to European safety standards. It is also equipped with a smoke alarm, age lap and diagonal seat belts, secure wheelchair attachments, non-slip flooring and supplies with wheelchair restraints. For comfort this Coach comes also with climate control features.
Id-Dar tal-Providenza wishes to thank all the companies and organisations who sponsored the purchase of the Tail Lift Coach: Pace Investments Ltd.; Bupa; GlobalCapital plc; The Malta Community Chest Fund; Trelleborg; Corinthia Group; Worldwide Branded Exports Ltd.; Metropolis Developments Ltd.; Express Trailers Ltd.; Simonds Farsons Cisk; Visual Trends Ltd.; Charles Degiorgio Ltd.; Deloitte; Teak for Boats: he Gollcher Group and Zaffarese Signs + Display Ltd..
