€1,255,269 were raised during the New Year’s day Feast of Generosity organised by Id-Dar tal-Providenza with the support of RTK Radio. The dry but rather windy weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the large crowds that made it to Siġġiewi during the day to make their donation under the big tent set up in the parking lot. As has now been the custom, various parishes in Malta and Gozo made special collections during church celebrations and presented them during the telethon.
The Director, Fr Martin Micallef, said that this year’s edition of the Feast of Generosity has once again shown the solidarity with and generosity of the Maltese people towards Id-Dar tal-Providenza. He felt humbled by this record sum. He thanked all Maltese and Gozitans for their generosity as well as the civil, religious and political authorities for their support as well as all those hundreds of volunteers that took part in the organization of the Feast of Generosity. Fr Martin promised that this money will continue to ensure high level of individualized residential services to persons with disabilities in full respect of their rights and dignity.
The first official visitor was Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna who also celebrated Mass in the Home’s chapel. During the Homily, the Archbishop announced that the Maltese Church is trusting in the Hands of the Management of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza, more properties, which will be used as residences for persons with disability, within the community.
Other visits during the day were made by the President of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, Nationalist Party Deputy Leaders Robert Arrigo and David Agius who represented Adrian Delia, Leader of the Opposition and Nationalist Party who is abroad, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sports and Volutary Organizations, Clifton Grima, AFM Commander Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona OP, Vicar General Mgr Joe Galea Curmi and Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability, Oliver Scicluna. Members of Parliament from both sides of the House and representatives of constituted bodies also made it to Siġġiewi during the day.€20,967.43 was collected from the Diocese of Gozo.
As part of the Feast of Generosity, €34,300 were raised through an auction of various works of art donated by more than 100 Maltese and foreign artists. Various bids were placed online but most bidders were there personally to follow the process.
The live television broadcast started at 9am with Holy Mass and continued till just after midnight when the total sum collected during the day was announced. TVM, TVM2, ONE TV and NET TV took part for long stretches of the 15-hour televised marathon. This included entertainment provided by the top singers on the island and various entertainers that managed to create a festive family atmosphere.