The proceeds of the charity fund-raising l-Istrina programme of 2006, Lm418,551 (EUR 975,223), were distributed at the Palace in Valletta yesterday in the presence of the President of Malta and Mrs Fenech Adami, by PBS chairman Joe Fenech Conti.

As in previous years, half of the sum collected by the programme was passed to the Malta Community Chest Fund, the other half to associations which had applied for aid.

The associations are: A.D.H.D. Family Support Group, Angela House, Assocjazzjoni Voluntarji Lourdes, Domus Maria, Down Syndrome Association, Eden Foundation, Ethiopia – Angels Children’s Home, Fondazzjoni Nazareth, Guide Dogs Foundation – Malta, LAND Group, Malta Dementia Society, Malta Red Cross Society (Gozo Branch), Malta Wireless and Talking Books for the Blind, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Malta, Park of Friendship, and the Ursuline Sisters.

Dr Eddie Fenech Adami thanked the Maltese for their contribution, saying they were generous and showed solidarity with all those who were in need. This was a characteristic of the people, he added.

He also appealed to them to again contribute to l-Istrina 2007, which will be held on 29 December.