“Once again the people of Malta and Gozo have shown their generosity towards Dar tal-Providenza by donating €1,445,665 during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità. The funds raised will help the Home to continue providing the best residential services to 115 persons with disability that live in homes. Apart from this, the Home will be improving the environment in which the residents of Villa Papa Giovanni in Siġġiewi where extensive renovation works will be done.” This was said by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home, at the end of a twelve-hour televised marathon. He continued by auguring that the solidarity shown towards Dar tal-Providenza on the first day of the new year will continue throughout the year with all those in our Maltese society who need support.
After a pause of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Festa ta’ Ġenerożità is being broadcastfrom under the big tent purposely set up in the Home’s parking lot in Siġġiewi, The telethon started off with a mass celebrated by H.G. The Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna in the Home’s chapel and will go on till midnight tonight. At the beginning of the celebration, which was attended by the President of Malta, Dott. George Vella and Mrs Vella, there was the traditional Christmas homily by two children, a boy and a girl.
In his homily, the Archbishop said that at the beginning of the new year we pray to the Lord to bless us, guard us and give us peace. Peace that cannot be purchased online or from the store. We should appreciate all that is good in our families, our NGOs and our people as a nation. We should cherish life from its inception as it is because you don’t have to be perfect to have a right to live and be precious.
On again was the art auction – paintings, sculptures and ceramics – donated by various Maltese and foreign artists. This time everything, including the bidding, was online and the sale of the works of art raised more than €29,000.
As has happened every year an appreciable number of parishes in Malta and Gozo organised special collections on new year’s eve and new year’s day that were then presented to Dar tal-Providenza on behalf of the parish communities.
Guests under the tent were the President of Malta, Dott. George Vella and Mrs Vella, H.G.the Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, Auxiliary Bishop Mgr Joseph Galea-Curmi, the President Emeritus, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the leader of the Opposition, Dr Bernard Grech and Mrs Grech amongst others. The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, Dr Owen Bonnici, who represented the Prime Minister Dott. Robert Abela, donated €25,000 from the Good Causes Fund.
Also present were Ministers and Members of Parliament from both sides of the House, delegations representing the main political parties, various personalities and representatives of constituted bodies who also took time to answer the phones.