Air Malta’s chief executive, Joe Cappello, presented the sum of e13,100 to Id-Dar tal-Providenza Director Mgr Lawrence Gatt. The donation was collected from Air Malta employees who chose to donate money to the organisation by having it deducted from their salaries during last year. The airline then matched the money collected by its employees.

Speaking during a short presentation at the airline’s head office Mr Cappello said, “Air Malta and its employees have always been at the forefront of humanitarian and philanthropic assistance. We thank our employees who year after year continue to show their support towards organisations such as Id-Dar tal-Providenza that directly help people in need. Throughout its 40 year history Id-Dar tal-Providenza has done a sterling job and we are proud of our assistance to this organisation. Through our ‘Committed to the Community’ initiative the airline has over the years donated thousands of euros to organisations that assist various sectors of Maltese society.”

Mgr Gatt said: “Donations give us hope and encourage us to continue in our mission to assist those needing a helping hand. Id-Dar tal-Providenza continuously strives to raise awareness of the needs of the organisation as it could not operate without the help of the public. Our residents need 24-hour, seven-days-a-week care and a complement of some 220 staff assisted by 100 plus volunteers are required. This donation by Air Malta employees and the airline will give us a good boost to help us in our constant efforts to improve the lives of our residents.”

Founded in 1965, the Dar tal-Providenza is a non-profit making organisation which aims to improve the lives of some of those born with impairments, both mental and physical and considerably eases the burden their families carry.