Air Malta and Sky Gourmet (Malta) will be assisting the Breast Care Support Group Europa Donna (Malta) during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

During the month, Air Malta’s cabin crews will be distributing pink ribbons and collecting donations from passengers to help the Breast Care Support Group raise awareness and funds. The donations collected will go towards the printing of useful information to encourage women to choose healthy food and to practice some form of exercise – two important ways of reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Gertrude Abela thanked Air Malta’s management staff, saying that it is only through the generosity of the public – and public-minded companies such as Air Malta – that they can continue with their mission.

This is a very busy year for the Group. A number of awareness activities have been planned, including the Annual Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture on 13 October and a Symbolic Silhouette Walk to celebrate Breast Health Day on 15 October.

The group will be hosting the 10th Europa Donna Pan European Conference on 22 and 23 October. Some 250 to 300 delegates from 46 countries are expected to attend the conference, which will be held at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. Air Malta has been named as the official carrier for this confernece.

The Breast Care Support Group Europa Donna (Malta) is a voluntary, non-profit making NGO and has been active since 1989. Its mission is to raise awareness and support patients and families going through the trauma of breast cancer.

Throughout the year, the group works very hard to organise awareness campaigns in public areas such as shopping malls and gives awareness talks in schools and in various places of work. Numerous publications to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of self-examination are distributed during these campaigns.

The group operates a 24/7 support line which handles a large number of calls throughout the year and also offers a one-to-one counselling service. All services and materials are free of charge.

This campaign also forms part of Air Malta’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives whereby the airline supports organisations that work hard for the community. No other airline operating to Malta provides continued support to voluntary and non-governmental organisation like Air Malta.