€27,300 raised during Gastronomic Dinner in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

€27,300 were raised during Gastronomic Dinner in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza organised by Infinitely Xara Co. Ltd owned by the Zammit Tabona family. This fine dining experience took place for the second year running in the historical setting of the Misraħ il-Kunsill located near the Mdina Local Council office with the gorgeous backdrop of The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux facade. The guests were treated to a delicious five course meal accompanied by different wines throughout the night.

This gastronomic dinner was under the patronage of His Lordship, Mgr Joe Galea Curmi, Bishop-Elect Auxiliary Bishop of Malta. Also present were Archbishop Emeritus,Mgr Paul Cremona O.P., and Fr Martin Micallef, the Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Over €55,000 were raised in the past two years.

The dinner was also attended by various established companies, who generously donated money to support Dar tal-Providenza. The principal partners for the night were Diamonds International, EY, Francis J. Vassallo & Associates Group, GSD Marketing Ltd, Halmann Vella Ltd, KRS Releasing Ltd, Malta International Airport, PWC, Raico, Seifert Systems Ltd, The Point Shopping Mall, VJ Salomone Marketing Ltd and the Mdina Local Council.

Special thanks go to all the kind people who have generously donated to the fundraising, all the wonderful volunteers, sponsors and all the incredibly generous donors of art.

Two residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza to experience paragliding

Christine and Tonio, two wheelchair users residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza who live in Dar Akkwarell in Qawra are going to have another go at paragliding after last year’s adventure had to be cancelled due to high winds. This is going to take place this Saturday, 21st July between 11.00am and 1.00pm at the Amazonia Complex in Qawra, in front of the Oracle Casino. If you happen to be in the area come and join us in giving support to Christine and Tonio in this aventure which they have been dreaming of these last two years.

‘Paul Harris Recognition Award’ to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

During an annual fundraising dinner held at Dar il-Kaptan, Mtarfa, Rotarian Bryan Sullivan, President 2017-2018 of Rotary Club La Valette Malta, presented Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, with the Paul Harris Recognition Award in appreciation for the work done by the Home.

Rotarian Sullivan said that “it is our pleasure in recognizing the role Id-Dar tal-Providenza has played in making the difference in the community.”

53 hrs of Volleyball raise €651,905 for Id-Dar tal-Providenza

At the end of the 53-hour BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon 2018 at midnight of Sunday July 1st, it was all smiles, champagne showers and gratitude; gratitude towards 40 or so young male and female players, coaches, referees, score keepers, medical doctors, physiotherapists and nurses, who decided to challenge the heat of the day and the stillness of the night and play 53 hours of non-stop Volleyball in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Their generosity in time and effort was matched by that of the Maltese people in donations to the tune of €651,905 which included also the sum of €335,291 collected during a special edition of Xarabank which was held on Friday 8 June.

The Marathon had its official kick-off Friday evening by the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca who also presented a donation from the Malta Community Chest Fund.

During the course of the three days, the players and organizers had time to meet the Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat and Mrs Michelle Muscat, the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Adrian Delia, H.G. Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Paul Cremona, Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, other members of Parliament and MEPs. All of them also spent some time answering the phones tied to the donations.

In the evenings, the Volleyball Marathon was broadcast ‘live’ on TVM, TVM2, ONE TV, NET TV.

At the end of the Marathon Fr Martin Micallef Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, thanked the Organising Committee, players, volunteers, sponsors and all those who made their donation.

10th edition of BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon for Id-Dar tal-Providenza inaugurated

The 53-hour BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon for Id-Dar tal-Providenza this year enters into its 10th edition.

The Volleyball Marathon was officially inaugurated earlier this evening by H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta who visited the Home and was given a warm welcome by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home and Ms Elvia George, Chief Finance Officer at Bank of Valletta and member on the Board of the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community. Present for the inauguration were also Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Dr Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations as well as Dr Maria Deguara, Shadow Minister for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Ageing.

Fr Martin Micallef started his brief address by thanking the volunteers for their support all the year round, and also the players who not only participate in the marathon but also undergo two months of gruelling training to make it to the final cut. “This marathon rests on pillars that are very dear to us – solidarity and sport. The altruistic spirit of everyone involved shines throughout the event, showing that ‘where there is a will there is a way’. We are humbled by the public’s support year after year.” Fr Martin gave an overview of the manner in which the Home evolved, saying that the big project for the coming year is the opening of another home in Balluta as well as a much needed overhaul of Dar iż-Żerniq in Siġġiewi, the very first Home in the Community for the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.”

Corroborating on Fr Martin’s comments, Elvia George said that, “The Marigold Foundation has been working closely with Id-Dar tal-Providenza since it was set up. Even the day-to-day running of this Home represents an incredible task, let alone investing in new and enhanced facilities. However, this is necessary not only for the current residents of the Home, but also for those individuals who enter this place for a respite period. Over the decades, this Home has remained true to the values of its founding Father and truly provides a family environment for everyone who seeks its support.” She concluded by saying that in this, Id-Dar tal-Providenza epitomises what the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community stands for; giving NGOs a platform to project their cause better.”

H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed her satisfaction at the manner in which the nation “comes together to support Id-Dar tal-Providenza, throughout the year, but particularly during this annual event.” She continued, “Five decades later, this Home is still a living testament to the vision of its Founder Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. Nowadays, it still has a pivotal role to play in providing its residents with the dignity and inclusion they deserve to live their lives to their full potential.”

The Marathon will run until Sunday 1st July at the grounds of the Home itself. In addition to supporting the players who will be playing volleyball, visitors may enjoy some of Malta’s best talent. The Band of the Armed Forces of Malta, followed by Kersten Graham’s Band will perform on Friday. The Police Force Band accompanied by local singers will give a musical show on Saturday while the popular Band The Crowns will perform on Sunday till the end of the Marathon.

A big screen for World Cup football enthusiasts will also be available together with food stalls. The Marathon will be aired live on television stations TVM, TVM2, NET TV and One TV.

Contributions can be made by calling 51702012 for a €15 donation and 51802013 for a €25 donation. A donation of €6.99 can be made by sending a blank SMS to 50618944. BOV Mobile Pay subscribers may also make their donation to the following number 79324834. There is also a pledge line 2146 1537.

Birthday wishes for Mary Verzin on her 90th Birthday

Maria Dolores Verzin, a volunteer at Id-Dar tal-Providenza, celebrates her 90th birthday on June 29th. Best wishes come from the Director of the Home, Fr Martin Micallef, administration and colleagues who worked with Mrs Verzin.

Mrs Verzin, who was invited to become a volunteer by Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi himself, was awarded the Premju Dun Mikiel in 2011 in recognition and appreciation of her work. Most of her time is spent in the Seamstresses section at the Home.

BOV employees and Volleyball marathoners in friendly confrontation

Merely days away from the whistle that will kick-start the 53-hour Volleyball Marathon for Id-Dar tal-Providenza’s annual fund-raising event, a group of BOV employees faced off some of the volleyball players who will be participating in the marathon in a friendly game at the car park of the Home.

As Emanuel Zammit, Chairperson of the Marathon’s Organising Committee, explained, the training for the marathon is now in full swing with 40 players from a total of around 200 volunteers making it to the final cut, after the final 24-hour boot camp last weekend. These players have been training since last May, juggling the gruelling training regime, with their personal and work commitments.

Speaking ahead of the event, Elvia George who is both the Bank’s Chief Finance Officer and a member of the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community said, “The Foundation is yet again giving its support to this marathon of solidarity. It is encouraging for us to see our people participate keenly in this event, which helps to create more awareness about the activities lined up for this weekend at the Home.”

Thanking the participating BOV employees, Fr Martin Micallef, Director at Id-Dar tal-Providenza expressed his gratitude at the show of solidarity that year after year keeps the Home going, whilst enabling the residents to live the life of dignity and inclusion that they deserve.”

The BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon will be officially inaugurated on Friday 29th June at 18.00 hours by H.E Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, President of Malta.

Contributions can be made by calling 51702012 for a €15 donation, 51802013 for a €25 donation and 51902070 for a €50 donation. A donation of €6.99 can be made by sending a blank SMS to 50618944. BOV Mobile Pay subscribers may also make their donation to the following number 79324834.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza congratulates Bishop-Elect Mons Joe Galea Curmi

Id-Dar tal-Providenza congratulates Mgr Joe Galea Curmi, Vicar General on his nomination as Auxiliary Bishop of Malta by His Holiness Pope Francis. Bishop-Elect Mons Galea Curmi has much at heart the disability sector as well as Id-Dar tal-Providenza. We wish him well and assure him of our prayers in his new Episcopal Ministry.

The Malta Institute of Accountants supports Dar Tal-Providenza

A total of €4,000 have been presented by the Malta Institute of Accountants to Dar Tal-Providenza. The donation included also donations by the Institute’s members during the past month and those collected during the Annual Social Event organised by the Institute.

Mr William Spiteri Bailey, the President of The Malta Institute of Accountants said that the Institute believes that its role in society is multiple. “We have a number of functions to fulfil and with those functions comes our role of being close to the community and engage in projects inspired by the notion of the common good. This year, the Institute chose to support a noble cause which is being advocated by Advocacy for Legacy for Dar Tal-Providenza.”

Fr. Martin Micallef, Director of Dar Tal-Providenza thanked the MIA for the signifcant donation. He added that he welcomes the fact that the MIA subscribes to the notions of empowering individuals, supporting them to live their life in dignity and the creation of the right environment for everyone, so that they can maximise their potential and ability. He thanked the Institute members for taking the initiative and supporting the cause.

Mr Jesmond Saliba, Founder of A4L (Advocacy for Legacy), thanked the Malta Institute of Accountants for support the initiative. Inspired by the precepts of social justice, solidarity, social inclusion and respect for human dignity, Advocacy for Legacy is committed to advancing the life chances and opportunities for all in Maltese society with specific emphasis on empowering those most vulnerable to social exclusion to realise their aspirations and full potential.

Caption The President of the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) William Spiteri Bailey presents a donation of €4,000 to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Dar tal-Providenza. The photo also features Ms Maria Cauchi Delia CEO MIA, Ms Analise Sammut, Events and Relationship Coordinator MIA, Ms Nadine Camilleri Cassano Administrator Dar Tal-Providenza and Jesmond Saliba Founder of Advocacy for Legacy

The residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza give a warm welcome to Kelly’s Heroes

Kelly’s Heroes, a band of four Irish folk musicians, dropped by at Id-Dar tal-Providenza to entertain the residents who in turn greeted them with enthusiasm and applause.

Kelly’s Heroes are in Malta to take part in Għanafest that takes place in Malta between June 22 and 23. Għanafest is a celebration of the musical diversity in the Mediterranean region. It aims to raise awareness of differing cultures while offering a bridge for engagement between the foreign and local artistic and social communities.