The Vodafone Malta Foundation has donated Lm5,000 to the Park of Friendship during the 36-hour MCAST Razzett Marathon of hair and beauty. The sum of money raised during this marathon amounted to Lm41,129.70 and will be used to help over 1,000 children and adults that benefit from complimentary services offered daily, year after year, at the park in Marsascala.
“The Vodafone Malta Foundation helps a number of organisations involved in a vast range of social projects. Through this donation, we would like to show our appreciation to the dedication shown by the park. We believe that we should all work together to help those in need in the Maltese community. We hope that our small gesture eases the financial burden of the park,” said chairperson of the Vodafone Malta Foundation, Gemma Mifsud Bonnici.
Held between 5 and 6 March, the marathon was organised by MCAST lecturers and students. Students following courses at the MCAST Institute of Community Services provided hair and beauty services, while students from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering offered the provision of a car inspection service. Other students participated in various ways.
The event was transmitted “live” on Education Channel 22 with various links with other local TV stations. Popular Maltese singers, dancers and artists provided entertainment. Entertainment for children included movies, horse-riding and pool games. A car wash was also organised.
The Park of Friendship needs Lm300,000 per year to run its disability programmes. With limited government assistance, this organisation depends highly on fundraising activities such as this one to survive. The park has been providing recreational and therapeutic services to children and adults with a disability for the last 16 years, always free of charge.
“Our aim is to continue to upgrade the quality of our services, and help more people with therapies in order to increase their independence and social inclusion. It is thanks to organisations like the Vodafone Malta Foundation that we are able to do this, as we depend entirely on corporate and public support to stay open,” said CEO of Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Nathan Farrugia.
The programmes are currently being upgraded to include more professional staff and volunteers, boosting the mental, physical and social value of these programmes. Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija helps over 1,000 disabled individuals, as well as 15 organisations that work in the field of disability and healthcare.