Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta, launched the 2017 edition of L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign during the meeting for heads of schools in Malta and Gozo at Palazz Verdala. Present on the occasion were Edgar Preca and Charles Azzopard, head PR and Marketing at Bank of Valletta.

"The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation is all about helping the vulnerable," said the President. "These people are our family, our relatives and our friends who are going through difficult times, whether due to health issues like cancer, life circumstances or poverty."

"L-Istrina does not happen only on 26 December," she continued. "It is a year-long journey of fund-raising activities and a celebration to thank all our benefactors, big and small. The demands on the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation are always on the increase and we are constantly stepping up our efforts to meet the demands of our society."

"The L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign introduces the younger generation to the philanthropic spirit and altruism that is so much part of the Maltese character," said Azzopardi "Piggy banks are being distributed across all schools. The funds collected, together with a generous donation by Bank of Valletta, are presented during the live broadcast of L-Istrina."

"Since the inception of this campaign, over €1.3m have been raised," continued Azzopardi. "This impressive figure was raised through the collective effort of children's small donations. I take this opportunity to appeal to the heads of schools here present to foster the value of solidarity among our children."

The L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign will see Mr Preca visiting a number of schools around Malta and Gozo over the weeks leading up to the live broadcast of L-Istrina. During his visits, Mr Preca will be meeting children and their teachers, to promote solidarity and explain about the valuable work done by the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.