Twenty-one years ago there existed no support and very little information for those suffering from breast cancer. Today, we know that early detection can lead to 95 per cent chance of survival. This was stated by Gertrude Abela, president of the Breast Care Support Group, who is one of the three beneficiaries of funds raised by HSBC Contact Centre employees. They also raised funds for the Malta Hospice Movement and for one of their former colleagues, Angela Bajada, who is currently under intensive therapy.

During the presentation of donations, Richard Brown, Centre director said: “In recent months, HSBC Call Centre employees have organised various activities to raise funds for noble causes. We support and applaud these initiatives as they highlight the social consciousness of our employees, who have taken it upon themselves to organise a large number of different fund-raising activities.

Founded by three ladies 21 years ago, the Breast Care Support Group regularly provides information about disease and treatment at various public fora. The NGO is made up of persons who call themselves “survivors” as they have passed through the experience of breast cancer. At present, they are assisting 20 cancer patients. Earlier this year, the Group published a prevention book entitled Make healthy choices – breast health is up to you which is distributed free of charge.

“Many Maltese women are afraid to get information about breast cancer. Our mission is to convince these women and their relatives that it is better to make regular checks as early cancer detection can lead to 95 per cent chance of survival,” said Ms Abela, whose Group is affiliated with Europa Donna, the European Breast Cancer Coalition. Ms Abela has been recently elected a member of the Coalition’s Board for 2011. Over 300 foreign delegates are expected to attend the 10th Pan-European Breast Cancer Conference, which will be held in Malta on 22 and 23 October 2011.

Bernadette Briffa and Sarah Pace, voluntary services manager and fund-raising coordinator respectively of the Malta Hospice Movement said that the HSBC employees’ donation will go towards the ongoing purchase of equipment, which is then lent free of charge to patients. Over 700 patients and their families sought the Movement’s assistance during 2010.

Ms Briffa said that the Movement is currently raising funds to build a purposely-built hospice for 25 patients. The hospice will be equipped with special palliative and end of life care for cancer, motor neuron disease (MND), and incurable lung disease patients. All services will be free of charge.

The third beneficiary is former colleague Angie Bajada, who suffered traumatic head injuries last May. Her colleagues in the Contact Centre raised funds to cover the annual kindergarten fees for her daughter. Angie’s mother, Anna Bajada, who received the donation, said: “Notwithstanding the difficult and very challenging time we are going through, our grand-daughter is really enjoying herself at school. I thank all Centre employees for their moral and financial support.”