For the people of Malta and Gozo, the first day of the year was again a show of generosity towards Id-Dar tal-Providenza, an expression of solidarity by donating €1,540,278 during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità.
This marathon also ushered in a special year for the Home because it happens to be the 60th anniversary of its founding. During all these years the Home offered permanent residency to 270 persons with disability as well as many others who needed respite services. The Home always offered personalised services of quality to the residents, services that respected their rights and dignity. This was only possible with the continued support of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
At the end of the twelve‑hour televised marathon, Mgr. Martin Micallef, Director of the Home augered that the solidarity shown towards Id‑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.
Again was the art auction – paintings, sculptures and ceramics – donated by various Maltese and foreign artists. Once again everything, including the bidding, was online and the sale of the works of art raised €37,158.
Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli donated €25,000 on behalf of the Maltese government from the Social Causes Fund.
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 Id-Dar tal-Providenza on behalf of the parish communities. Gozo parishes collected €38,044.
This year’s Festa ta’ Ġenerożità was broadcast from under the big tent purposely set up in the Home’s parking lot in Siġġiewi. It started off with a mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna in the Home’s chapel and went on till midnight.