To raise awareness of the Maltese homeless’ plight and to help YMCA in its work to give hope and dignity back to the homeless, Vodafone is supporting YMCA’s Twelve Appeal. This event, taking place today and tomorrow in Republic Street, Valletta, will include a homeless activity by local celebrities and an unplugged concert “Under The Stars”. All proceeds will go to the YMCA Valletta homeless project. The Twelve Appeal will culminate in a concert by Live 8 hero Bob Geldof on 28 June.
“Through its support of the Twelve Appeal, Vodafone would like to show its appreciation of the dedication shown by YMCA in their mission to improve the situation of homeless people and social cases in Malta. We believe that we should all work together to help those in need in the Maltese community. We hope that our and all the other sponsors’ support encourages more companies and the general public to follow the example,” said brand executive at Vodafone Malta, Denise Ross.
On Friday, from 11 pm onwards, 12 of Malta’s top musicians will play acoustic sessions keeping the city alive all night. The group of the homeless personalities stunt, is made up of Ira Losco, Moira Delia, Miriam Dalli, Peppi Azzopardi, Rachel Attard, Ray Calleja, Ian from Spjun, Justyne Caruana MP, Carmel Busuttil, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando MP, Daniel, Owen and Sander from Zoo, John Montanaro, Jotham from Scream Daisy, Robert Spiteri and Xandru Grech, will experience homelessness by living and sleeping outdoors on 12 mattresses for around 30 hours.
The public is invited to visit the personalities where they will explain what YMCA’s work is. Benefactors may pledge Lm2 by sending an SMS on 5061-8088 for a Lm2 donation or 5061-9212 for a Lm5 donation.
People may also take the opportunity of sponsoring a bed at the YMCA shelter by collecting a form during the event in Republic Street through which a one time or monthly donations from credit or debit accounts can be set up. Food donations for YMCA will also be accepted by the celebrity homeless this weekend.
YMCA, located in Valletta, has a strong social work programme, giving support to victims of domestic violence, residents of substandard housing, and people from broken families. In 2005, YMCA social workers and volunteers have seen more than 9,000 people. “On a daily basis, the YMCA Valletta social workers and volunteers are currently assisting over 50 persons, 30 of which are resident at the YMCA Dar Niki Cassar homeless shelter. Homelessness is a problem which is frequently overlooked in Malta. YMCA aims to raise awareness amongst a larger sector of the Maltese population. We encourage the general public to attend to this activity and show their support,” said chairman of the YMCA Valletta, Jean Paul Mifsud.