The Dar tal-Providenza complex of residential homes recorded a profit of Lm130,000 for the year ended 2005, director Mgr Lawrence Gatt said yesterday.

He did warn, however, that the homes are still Lm582,000 in the red overall after having accumulated a loss of just over Lm713,000 in the years 2002 to 2004.

Mgr Gatt said Dar tal-Providenza offers a service, and has a responsibility to its donors, without whom it would not be possible for the institute to function. He added that the home made every effort to control expenses and had managed to save over Lm50,000 in administrative costs during 2005.

The home had been forced to withdraw funds from its human resources and building accounts, but the strong financial performance in 2005 had enabled it to begin replenishing them.

He thanked everyone who had taken part in various fund-raising activities, in particular the church’s radio station, RTK, which helped to raise over Lm200,000 in the first week of this year.

Mgr Gatt also called for the re-launch of the scheme whereby employees contribute 10c per week from their salary. At present, Lm1,100 is being collected every month through this scheme. The home needs Lm4,500 a day for its normal operating expenses.

The scheme should now be diversified to include professionals such as notaries, doctors and lawyers, said Mgr Gatt. He thanked those doctors, such as former Speaker of the House Jimmy Farrugia, who have been providing a free service for over 40 years, ever since the home’s inception in 1965.

Dar tal-Providenza currently has over 200 employees, the majority of whom are full time. The home’s salary bill tops the Lm1 million a year and wages account for the bulk of the home’s expenses.

He thanked all voluntary workers who provide a service and help to save hundreds of thousands of liri in the process.

Replying to questions, Mgr Gatt said that there have not been any developments with regard to the fund-raising marathon organised by the Kerygma Foundation.

He said that the home expects to issue a leaflet soon to maintain contact with its donors and helpers.