• Details were given on the 22nd edition of the Feast of Generosity that takes place every New Year’s Day. It is organised by Id-Dar tal-Providenza, together with RTK Radio, primarily to raise funds so that it can continue to provide and improve on the services it offers.

    Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, explained the four main reasons behind the Feast of Generosity: to meet up with the residents, to see the capital projects, to raise the much needed funds but more importantly to spread the Home’s message that society has to respect persons with disability, treat them with the dignity they deserve and offer them choices and opportunities that everyone has a right to enjoy.

    Mr Anton Attard, speaking on behalf of RTK, said that the marathon had raised over €10 million over the 22year span of its existance. He thanked Tonio Bonello an Sonia Young who had, in the past been instrumental in the creation and fostering of this annual milestone. “The public’s willingness to respond to RTK’s campaigns for Dar tal-Providenza grew like the biblical mustard seed’ said Mr Attard. 

    The Feast of Generosity kicks off at 9.00am with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna in the Home’s chapel. Focus will then be on the main stage under the big tent where there will be a spectacle of entertainment and interviews with various personalities who visit the Home during the day.

    This year an auction of works of art kindly donated by over one hundred Maltese and foreign artists will again be held as part of the Feast of Generosity. The public will be able to view beforehand these works of art at an exhibition set up in the foyer of Parliament building in Valletta between the 15th and 26th December. Viewing will be between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday whilst on the weekend doors are open between 9.00am and 1.00pm. The exhibition will be officially opened by the Speaker of the House, the Hon. Dr Anġlu Farrugia, on Friday 15 December 2017 at 5.00 pm.

    On New Year’s Day they will then be displayed at Id-Dar tal-Providenza.  All those wishing to bid for the works of art may do so online on www.dtpauction.com between the 15 December 2017 and 1st January 2018.  On New Year’s Day there will also be the possibility for bidding by phone on a number that will be shown on the TV screens during the broadcast on the main local TV stations. One may also visit the hall at Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi where the works may also be viewed. The catalogue with all the works of art may be viewed on www.dtpauction.com as from the 15 December.

    For the benefit of those who will not be able to visit id-Dar tal-Providenza, the whole telethon, which ends around midnight, will be relayed ‘live’ on the main television stations. Donations may be made at the Home in Siġġiewi, at Radio RTK studios in Blata l-Bajda or by phone as follows:

    €10 Donation                       –           516 02 012   

    €15 Donation                       –           517 02 013   

    €25 Donation                       –           518 02 014