Bank of Valletta CEO Charles Borg presented a donation to Mgr Victor Grech, Director of Caritas (Malta), who was accompanied by Anglu Fenech, Caritas’s Administrative Secretary, to acknowledge the important social role that this organisation plays within the Maltese community.

“Caritas continues to play an important role in building the strong network of social services in Malta,” said Mgr Grech. “We will continue to concentrate our efforts to change the way in which Maltese society tackles issues such as drugs, alcoholism, poverty and social injustice.”

“Bank of Valletta applauds the professional and competent services provided by Caritas Malta that make an impact on the lives of people in difficulty,” Mr Borg said.

“The Bank’s role within the Maltese community goes beyond providing financial services and underlines the Bank’s commitment towards the improvement of the Maltese society.”

“In recognition of the Bank’s support, Caritas (Malta) provides an Employee Assistance Programme to the over 1,500 BOV staff members and their families free of charge,” said Mgr Grech. “Personal problems can affect the lives of employees both at home and at work. Caritas provides a comprehensive programme that helps BOV employees resolve personal problems that may adversely impact their personal lives, their health and their well being.”

Caritas Malta was founded and became a Member of Caritas Internationalis in 1968. In 1977, the Church Secretariat for Social and Charitable Action was set up with the aim of coordinating and developing the work among the sick, the elderly, persons with special needs, drug users and other people in difficulty.

Caritas today has qualified staff and volunteers who undergo holistic training in order to be able to offer proper support and work among people in difficulty through its services. These include counselling to persons with social, psychological, personal,and emotional issues, support groups for gamblers and their families, persons at risk of contracting STIs, and others. The organisation also conducts research and development programmes, manages public awareness campaigns through the media as well as through the publication of books and leaflets on social issues.

Other initiatives include character formation programmes in schools and parental skills courses aimed at the development of the individual person and a healthy society.