HSBC donated two important paintings from its private collection to the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF). The paintings will be auctioned in December in aid of the annual fund-raising event L-Istrina.

The paintings – a water colour depicting a fisherman by Tonio Mallia, and a pen and ink guache depicting a Church Christmas scene by Kenneth Zammit Tabona ¬- were presented by HSBC Europe CEO Peter Boyles and Alan Richards CEO HSBC Malta who paid a courtesy visit to President George Abela at the San Anton Palace.

HSBC has been supporting L-Istrina for over 10 years. In 2010, the HSBC Malta Foundation was the main sponsor for the fund-raising event L-Istrina with a record direct donation amounting to €100,000.

“HSBC invests in communities worldwide helping to improve lives and the communities in which we operate. I am delighted to offer these works of art for auction to the Malta Community Chest Fund on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation. I hope they will attract generous bids at auction for L-Istrina,” said Mr Boyles.

President George Abela said: “I am grateful for HSBC’s sense of social responsibility and for always being one of the organisations on the forefront, working hand in hand with the Presidency. These paintings are yet another generous donation by HSBC.”