Over 50 BOV employees from across Bank of Valletta's Investment Centres, accompanied by their children, participated in a tree planting initiative at Fort Rinella. 40 Mediterranean pine trees were planted to form a wind breaker to protect a mix of indigenous trees consisting of hundreds of olive trees along with carob, oak and vast amounts of bianca shrubs. The project also included the installation of around 2 km of drip irrigation pipes along with the necessary pumps and equipment

Roberta Bellizzi, Manager Investment Centres Operations explained how most of the employees within the Bank's six Investment Centres participated in this event, along with some of their colleagues from the satellite branches. "This event represents a team building with a difference for our people. Over the past four years, since the opening of the first BOV Investment Centre, we have invested in our people's development, so that they are now highly professional advisors, able to guide customers towards the best investment solutions to suit their needs. Likewise, today, the Bank is investing in the green environment, also recognized as a key stakeholder by the Bank. The tree planting initiative is being complemented with a drip-irrigation system to ensure these plants flourish, even during the dry summer months."

Mario Farrugia, Chairman and CEO of Fondazzjoni Wirth Artna (FWA) explained, "When FWA took over Fort Rinella 25 years ago, it was in a derelict state. Over the years, it has been transformed into a full-fledged museum, complete with stables and an open arena that is home to equestrian shows. Through thoroughly researched re-enactments, we seek to bring to live important episodes from our colourful past, thereby ensuring that our past does not remain buried in history books, but is vivid in our collective memory."

Speaking about the event, Mr Farrugia said, "The trees planted today not only embellish the aesthetic environment but also act as wind-breakers whilst providing additional shelter for our horses. We take this opportunity to encourage the general public to visit Fort Rinella. Here one can experience different eras of Malta's history in a fun and engaging manner."

"We have been collaborating with FWA, as their main corporate partner for many years now," said Charles Azzopardi, Head PR & Marketing. "Our joint efforts have yielded various projects, including the very successful 'Hands on Heritage' project, an annual education programme for school children. This collaboration is an important way through which the Bank takes forward its patronage of the national heritage, as part of its Corporate Responsibility Programme."