For the fifth year running, a motor car show will take place on 13 December, with donations going towards the annual Christmas fund raising event, L-iStrina.

“A lot of people across Malta and Gozo are avid car fans. It has given me great satisfaction over the past few years to test drive such wonderful vehicles and meet so many fantastic people. It is a great pleasure to announce a new and bigger event than ever before, which is entitled Paqpaqli L-iStrina. Hopefully all motorcycle and car enthusiasts will gather in one place, and at the same time donate something to those less fortunate than us,” said TV producer and presenter Tonio Darmanin. For the first time in history, the Malta International Airport (MIA) is allowing a wide open space for those who want to push their cars to the limit and enjoy driving in racing conditions. Those in attendance will also be given the chance to visit one of the Lufthansa Technik’s hangars, where the public will be given the chance to witness round the mill maintenance procedures which take place on aeroplanes, while members from the company’s Human Resources department will offer information and prospectus of the company.

A number of static cars will also be on display for the general public, while for the first time ever, helicopter rides which will hover across Malta will be available at a small donation.

Tonio Cini, on behalf of the Malta Motor Sport Federation, said that this “is an innovative activity, with people able to witness at first hand cars in all their full glory.

“Three circuits will be made available. One will host mini motors, quad bikes and other similar vehicles, another circuit will be allocated for all those interested in extreme off roading, while all those who form part of the island car club or are interested in car racing have the chance to race against other drivers and vehicles under timing conditions and full security measures”.

Mr Cini added that 180 stands will serve as car parks near the terminal of the MIA. From their arrival onwards, the public will wait for a mini-bus to come and take them to the required destination, mirroring a small park and ride system.

Representing the MIA, Rosette Fenech stated that since the company was privitised seven years ago, it has strived to promote three of the most important factors in society, namely culture, environment and sport.

Other Events

President of the Republic George Abela said that December is a crucial month for the Malta Community Chest Fund, as it is the month where most of the year’s fundraising events take place.

“Over 2500 individuals approach the Malta Community Chest Fund every year asking for help and attention. Little do people out there know how expensive medication, lodging and living expenses are. Last week I had the chance to meet a family who has been living abroad for the past 13 months, seeking treatment which is unavailable on our shores. Imagine the difficulties this family is going through at the moment.

“All funds generated from L-iStrina are always used in some form or another, from wheelchairs to stair lifts to equipments and not a penny is wasted. The Malta Community Chest Fund needs an estimated e1.5 million a year to accommodate everyone’s needs,” said Dr Abela.

Apart from the President’s Charity Run which will be held on 6 December, other fund raising events in the pipeline include an auction of paintings from Malta’s top 40 artists, which will be held at San Anton Palace on the 11 December, as well as a Mass which will be held at midnight on Christmas Eve at the same palace. The Santa Monica Choir and National Orchestra will perform during the Mass. The actual L-iStrina event will take place on Boxing Day.