Bank of Valletta is supporting a project of Maltese missionaries working at the parish of Santisima Cruz of Acequia Alta in Peru.

Igino Xuereb, chief officer operations at Bank of Valletta presented a donation to Fr Frank Cortis, a Maltese missionary and chaplain of the parish of Santisima Cruz. The bank’s donation will help the parish to purchase a vehicle which will be used to transport Peruvian abandoned and maltreated orphans to school and also to the clinic or hospital.

During the presentation Fr Cortis explained how they provide shelter for children who are physically disabled or have suffered physical or psychological abuse.

“The Aldea Infantil Sagrade Familia, which was neglected for some years, has been reopened soon after I became chaplain because there was the need of a home for the large amount of innocent, suffering children in the area,” said Fr Cortis.

“Having a means of transport is essential for our large group of children especially considering that the location of the Aldea is one of the poorest in the city and due to this is more susceptible to thefts, assaults, violence and kidnapping. As one can imagine, it is not only tiring for the children to walk three kilometres or more daily but also dangerous and risky. This notwithstanding that two or more of our staff accompany them every day.”

Mr Xuereb praised Fr Cortis for the valuable work he is performing within the Peruvian community. Mr Xuereb said: “Bank of Valletta is pleased to support this initiative, which is testimony to the most valid work being performed by the Maltese missionaries.

“Although, in fulfilling our corporate social responsibility we primarily support Malta based initiatives that aim to improve the social fabric within society, we are also pleased to support this particular project which will go a long way to improve the life of communities living in underdeveloped areas.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to this worthy cause may do so by making a deposit into BOV account 40014490954.