Bank of Valletta is supporting the fifth edition of the Ohloq Tbissima marathon – a 60-hour broadcasting marathon, organised by CAM Productions International, which aims to collect funds to support various social projects being undertaken by the Missionary Society of St Paul in Malta, the Philippines, Peru and Pakistan.

This year’s edition of the marathon, being held in the courtyard of St Joseph’s Home in Santa Venera, is being inaugurated by the Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, the Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, the Alternattiva Demokratika leader Harry Vassallo, and the Archbishop of Malta Mons. Pawl Cremona on Friday at noon and will go on uninterrupted until Sunday at midnight.

BOV’s sponsorship was presented by Michael Galea, Head of Marketing and Communication at Bank of Valletta to Fr Louis Mallia, Director, CPI and Malta Regional Superior of the MSSP during a visit to St Joseph’s Home in Sta Venera. “We are delighted to support the fifth edition of Ohloq Tbissima and we hope that this marathon will raise the much-needed funds to enable the MSSP to continue with its most valuable social work,” said Mr Galea. “The name of the marathon implies creating a smile, and we hope that the bank’s assistance will help bring a smile to the people who will benefit from this initiative”, concluded Mr Galea.

“While entertaining viewers, this marathon is organised to instil a social conscience. We are hoping to raise much-needed funds to help in our missions where even the necessities are often lacking,” said Fr Mallia. “We take this opportunity to encourage the general public to watch the marathon and make donations through the various channels available to them. The telephone numbers open from 1-31 July and are: 5004-9853 for Lm3 (EUR6.99) donations, 5005-9855 for Lm5 (EUR11.65) donations and 5004-9850 for Lm10 (EUR23.29) donations. Donations of Lm2 (EUR4.66) can also be effected by SMS on 5061-8070,” concluded Fr. Mallia.

The 60 hours of live broadcasts will feature footage about the work of MSSP in Peru, Pakistan and the Philippines, discussions, moments of prayer, quizzes, games and an impromptu karaoke. Renowned personalities have joined the family of Ohloq Tbissima. Nadine Axisa, Olivia Lewis, Ira Losco and J Anvil are only a few of those who will be entertaining the public present at St Joseph’s Home in Sta Venera or following the marathon from their homes.