The BOV Volleyball Marathon 2015 in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza launched

The BOV Volleyball Marathon 2015 was officially launched on Friday morning at Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Fr. Martin Micallef, Director of the residential home and Mrs Michelle Muscat Chairperson of ‘The Marigold Foundation – BOV in the community’ addressed the media, accompanied by Elvia George – Chief Finance Officer at Bank of Valletta, and Emanuel Zammit Chairperson of the Volleyball Marathon Organising Committee.

The marathon, which will see over 300 volunteers amongst whom 40 will play volleyball for 53 consecutive hours, will be inaugurated by H.E The President Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca on Friday 3rd July at 18.30 hours. It will come to an end at 12.00 midnight the following Sunday. The public is invited to visit the marathon at the residential home itself and make donations towards its running. Id-Dar tal-Providenza, which this year commemorates its 50th anniversary, is home to 105 persons with special needs Fifty years later, it has managed to live up to its Founder’s vision, and is funded completely through providence.

Speaking during the press conference, Mrs Muscat praised the Home for its valuable work. “Id-Dar tal-Providenza plays a crucial role in our community, enabling its residents to live a life with dignity in a family-like environment that provides care and individual attention.” She explained how The Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community, is the social pillar of the Bank’s CSR programme. The Marigold Foundation– BOV in the Community assists non-governmental associations in a bid to help them reach their full potential.

In his intervention, Fr Micallef explained that, “The BOV Volleyball Marathon is one the Home’s major fund-raising events. Thanks to Marigold Foundation and Bank of Valletta, the funds which were collected last year have enabled us to renovate two apartments which will continue to improve the quality of life of the residents.

“The Marathon brings together over 300 volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to make this event a success. The players have already been training for several weeks, and now the training regime will become even more intensive, so they will have the necessary stamina to face 53 hours of continuous play. No effort is being spared to make this event a success,” said Mr Zammit.

Speaking about the Bank’s involvement, Mrs George expressed Bank of Valletta’s satisfaction at participating in such an event that brings the best of the community to the fore. “Bank of Valletta feels responsible to play a key role in the Maltese community that goes beyond the provision of financial services. Here we shall be celebrating people with different abilities, as volunteers come together to make a difference while at the same time helping the residents feel valued, cared for and an integral part of our society.” She augured the organisers well for the Marathon, and urged the public to be generous and support the volunteers by visiting Id-Dar tal-Providenza between the 3rd and 5th July 2015.

Contributions can be made by calling 51602011 for a €10 donation, 51702012 for a €15 donation and 51802013 for a €25 donation, or through BOV Mobile Pay on 79324834.