President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca delivered the closing speech after today's Fun Run in aid of L-Istrina, stating that generosity and solidarity distinguishes the Maltese people from all other countries in the world.

The President's Solidarity Fun Run 2018, which also happens to be the 10th edition, was held.  The event was organised in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, and is considered to be one of the first major fund-raisers, as a number of events start being held to raise funds for the annual L-Istrina which is held on Boxing Day.

The President said that the Maltese always stand up to express solidarity, generosity, respect and love,, which she called some of the most important values passed down through the generations.

She said that the Maltese people will never fall into the trap of indifference. The Presideent highlighted that requests to the Community chest Fund for help increase by the day, and that €8,000 a month is being spent on Chemotherapy. She highlighted that the projected expenses are expected to rise to €9 million, adding that this year's L-Istrina needs to be stronger than usual. She thanked all those who have helped in the past.

"I am convinced that with your generosity, we are capable of assuring that every one of us who need help will receive it.

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca had, prior to the event, called the Fun Run a "celebration of voluntary work, unity, solidarity and generosity". The President went on to say that during 2018 the Foundation is expecting to distribute some €9 million, as appeals for support have increased to over 400 per month.

Whilst the Fun Run departed from Rabat (Saqqajja Hill) and carry on for 11.3Km, the walks commenced at Paola (5.35Km), University of Malta (4.69Km) and St Venera (4.49Km).

The run ended at St George's Square in Valletta, and whilst the participants congregated, catching their breath, they were met with upbeat music and a number of speeches from various Maltese political figures including the President of Malta herself.

This included everyone belting out the popular local song "Xemx" and other classics that hyped the crowd back up after a day of running and walking.

Leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia was the first to speak and said that he does not think there are any people with bigger hearts than the Maltese and Gozitans. He also spoke about the importance of coming together, as a people, on major issues.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was not present for the event as he is currently in China to sign an agreement "which will continue to provide a framework to bringing further investment to Malta". The crowd cheered and applauded loudly as his name was mentioned by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne was there in his stead. He echoed Delia's remarks and added that it is "days like these that remind us how well we work together". He said that in truth, the Maltese are united. He thanked the President for, on occasions like the Fun run, reminding the people of their large hearts.

He presented €15,000 cheque from the good Causes fund.

Fun Run Chairman Mark Cutajar said that each year, attendance to the fun run increases. He said that he has learnt more about the values on volunteering under the leadership of the President, and highlighted that aside from this event, he never sees the political parties united.

Malta Public Transport also waived all ticket fees for individuals participating in this years Fun Run between 8am and 2pm, and quite a number of them got to their desired starting points by taking advantage of this concession for public transport.

A special commemorative T-shirt was given to all those attending.

The event ended with an open-air dance/exercise combo session for those in attendance.

BNF bank Chief Operating Officer Adrian Coppini said that the bank group, when it used to operate in Portugal, used to operate a fun run. He said that ten years ago, President emeritus George abela had asked the CEO if the bank could do something similair in Malta. That was how the fun run began ten years ago he said.

Coppini said that originally the bank was more involved organisationally, but now is more on the marketing side of things. He said that the BNF marketing team is in comtact with the Office of the Presidency continuously. Then, he said, there are the front-liners who take bookings, aside from the volunteers who help at the different stages of the run. He said they also try to involve the families of staff members in the event.

BNF Chief Risk Officer Maruska Buttigieg Gili said that the bank has been backing this fun run from the start which is now on everyone's diary.

BNF Chief Financial Officer Mark Micallef said that The community is central to what we do. It is a core part of our purpose as a bank and we service the local. We service individuals and local companies, and the community does pay our salaries at the end of the day, and so it is very important for us to give back whatever we can. This run has been an important part of our calendar for a number of years.

 

 

BNF Bank - ten years of fun runs for solidarity

For the tenth consecutive year, BNF Bank has supported the annual event that so many people eagerly wait for - the President's Solidarity Fun Run, BNF said in a statement.

"The event, once again, drew thousands of young and old from all walks of life, who met up at the usual starting points, many in groups, in Santa Venera, Rabat, Paola and the University, to walk 5 kilometres or run 11 kilometres to St George's Square in Valletta."

"It has been another resounding success!" said Michael Frendo, BNF Bank Chairman. "Together we have again mobilised people and channeled significant funds to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, which will be distributed to needy charitable organisations after L-Istrina."

"We believed in the fun run from the very start. Together with the Office of the President and the many groups involved in its organisation, we built an institutional event that's part of Malta's annual calendar. Looking back at ten years of achievement is truly one proud moment! I am also very grateful to the BNF team members who, year after year, organise themselves without fuss for this event, to ultimately give a service to others."

The collaboration between BNF Bank and the Office of the President that began way back in 2008 with an innovative fun run for charity, kick started what is now a veritable trend of fun runs in Malta organised by many associations in aid of different noble causes.

"The first run attracted a few thousand walkers. Since then the participation rate has quadrupled and so have the interest, enthusiasm and voluntary hands on board. With people collecting every commemorative T-shirt from each edition, it can safely be said that the event has truly and genuinely engaged people," the statement read.

The President's Solidarity Fun Run is BNF Bank's flagship CSR event, in which all the Bank's corporate and social responsibility efforts and activities culminate.

 

 

Photos and videos by Alenka Falzon