On Friday 17 March, a number of employees from MAPFRE Middlesea and MAPFRE MSV spent some doing voluntarily work at the Malta Horse Sanctuary. 

The event was part of MAPFRE’s Volunteering Programme, through which MAPFRE staff around the world have the chance to help out in their community. This programme serves to improve relationships, foster teamwork and ensure greater integration within the company. In 2015, 4,403 volunteers took part in one of the 766 acts of solidarity, which had a total of 541,708 direct beneficiaries.

“Working with animals, taking care of them, was a great and relaxing experience. There is a lot to do at a horse sanctuary and we experienced the power of nature and embodied the true spirit of community. We certainly felt invigorated after this volunteer activity: at the end of the day, one of the greatest gifts you can give is your time,” said MAPFRE Middlesea’s Chief Officer Human Resources Ines Silva.

“The work that is done with abandoned horses can sometimes be very thankless and I was amazed by the dedication, time and effort given by regular volunteers at the horse sanctuary. Although in recent years the issue of animal cruelty in Malta is continuously being addressed, we still have a responsibility to create more awareness and encourage people to lend a helping hand whenever they can to these NGOs, every little contribution can make a difference,” said Silvana Sant’Angelo – Senior Executive, HR & Corporate Services – MAPFRE MSV LIFE.

The Malta Horse Sanctuary in Siggiewi provides shelter for a number of unwanted and/or injured horses. Its work is funded solely by donations and it is run by volunteers. The Sanctuary depends on donations to care for the 16 horses currently homed there and to maintain the premises. Some horses are lucky and are re-homed, but others live at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives, because they require constant care.

Anyone who is interested in helping at the sanctuary is welcome to call 7909 3267 for more information. The sanctuary is also happy to cater for birthday parties or outings in return for a small donation.