Children at Wonderland in St Luke’s Hospital have been treated to a clown soft toy by Socjeta` Azmatici Maltin, sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta plc. The HSBC Cares For Children Fund has contributed Lm1,000 to the society, which has gone towards the production of 600 clown soft toys. “Sam”, as the clown toy has been called, is now the society’s official mascot.

“The production of these soft toys is a great way of treating children in hospital to a plaything. We are also happy that the Society now has a mascot that will help its visibility. We are grateful to HSBC Cares For Children Fund for its generous donation, which has made this possible,” said Socjeta` Azmatici Maltin treasurer Tessie Caruana.

“Respiratory problems among children are, unfortunately, common. HSBC believes that such a donation can help

maintain a level of awareness about such illnesses, through the Socjeta` Azmatici Maltin,” said HSBC Bank Malta plc head of public affairs and corporate responsibility Josef Camilleri.

The Socjeta` Azmatici Maltin, founded two years ago by Dr Stephen Montfort, now has three hundred members. Its aim is to generate awareness about respiratory illnesses and about learning to control such illnesses in order to lead a normal life. The society is chaired by Dr Mariella Blackman, assisted by Dr Anna Mallia LL.D.