This year, Bank of Valletta has once again extended its support to Caritas Malta. The bank’s donation was presented by Bank of Valletta chief executive officer Tonio Depasquale during a courtesy visit by Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech and administrative secretary Anglu Fenech, to the new BOV Centre in Santa Venera.

During the meeting, Mr Depasquale and Mgr Grech had the opportunity to discuss the invaluable social work that Caritas undertakes within the Maltese community.

Mgr Grech said that, to a large extent, Caritas has to rely on the generosity of the Maltese people to be in a position to fund its work in the community and he thanked BOV for its regular support.

Mgr Grech said: “The Caritas drug rehabilitation, prevention and education programme is the best known service in the Maltese community. However, Caritas also offers an extensive range of services, which include counselling, social work, a poverty watch programme and support for victims of usury.”

He added: “Extensive training is given to the families of those who follow our drug rehabilitation programme to provide them with the know-ledge and tools to help and encourage the ‘clean’ lifestyle of the persons who have undergone our rehabilitation programme and assist them in preventing a relapse”.

Mr Depasquale thanked Mgr Grech and Mr Fenech for their untiring efforts in supporting those who fall victim to drug abuse and their families.

“At Bank of Valletta, we are committed to support organisations such as Caritas, that play an important social role in our society,” he said.

“Support towards worthy social initiatives is an important pillar of BOV’s Community Programme, and we are pleased to put this programme to good use by providing tangible support to Caritas.

“Through our contribution we would also like to show our recognition of all the dedicated workers and volunteers who work day in, day out to support those who are most in need,” said Mr Depasquale.

Caritas Malta is the Catholic Church Secretariat for social and charitable action. Caritas Malta encounters the reality of social and economic inequalities, and identifies their underlying causes.

It is committed, in solidarity, to stand alongside people in difficulty, sharing its resources and working together with other social partners on programmes which raise public awareness, promoting human development, and voicing the rights of socially disadvantaged people.