This leaves the organisation staring at a frightening deficit of Lm125,000. A number of employees who were close to retirement have been laid off to cut costs. They did not have any direct connection with the children.

More than 1,200 people have over the years gained from the therapeutic and educational programmes available at the Eden Foundation. However as more people joined the organisation, pressure on the organisation’s funds increased. Tuition fees have remained unchanged.

Brother Austin told The Malta Independent that the Eden Foundation would never turn a child away because the parents were unable to pay tuition fees. If this were the case, the fees would have to be met through fundraising activities.

A section of Cooperative Eden, which provides sheltered employment for people with disability, was also operating at a substantial loss. It has had to close down and is now forming part of Eden Foundation.

Fundraising in 2006 had not managed to keep up with the costs of running the organisation. In the last five years, efforts have been made to expand fundraising activities and these efforts are expected to increase year by year, Mr Farrugia said.

The government subsidy to the Eden Foundation has dropped by over Lm30,000 over the years and talks with the government on the subject are continuing. The adults’ programme, which prepares and trains people with a disability for the world of work, is being completely restructured.

The Eden Foundation is appealing to the public to donate even as little as 3c (EUR0.06) to keep the organisation going and continue educating the children who rely on its services. Those interested in becoming friends of the SOS Eden Club will receive information from time to time about the Eden Foundation and its activities, by donating Lm10 (EUR23.29) directly to the foundation. They can mail a cheque to The Eden Foundation, Klabb SOS Eden, Bulebel, Zejtun, ZTN08, Malta, or visit www.soseden.com and follow the “direct donation” link using Cashlink or Visa.

Smart Supermarket is also helping Eden Foundation by granting 100 loyalty card points to those who donate Lm10 to the SOS Eden Club campaign.