Retail and Outbound representatives from Vodafone took part in a CSR activity at Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesu where they were kept busy cleaning rooms and halls of the house, re-painting furniture, clearing the outside area and tending the garden. Staff also lent a helping hand to decorate the chapel for the feast of the Sacred Heart.

Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesu, better known as l-Istitut ta’ Ċini, is situated in Santa Venera. This house has a long history of providing shelter to marginalized people, or those in socially vulnerable circumstances. In 2001, the Church and the government agreed to make use of this enormous house efficiently. Subsequently, a second stage shelter was set up to house families, women and children who suffered domestic violence.

Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesu provides a therapeutic programme that allows families to live privately in flats allocated to them. The programme also enables family members, be it mother or child, to regain their self-esteem and re-learn social, life or academic skills. Mothers also have the facility to learn about child rearing and home management.

Vodafone employees described their experiences of their day at Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesu. “Seven hours just flew by! So much to do in so little time. Loved every minute of that day. Waiting eagerly for the next one!” said Alex Mifsud. Sarah Jane Bugeja added “We were exhausted but satisfied at the same time and would love to do it again.” Another colleague, David Abela, commented, “We felt consumed by the size of the place, and exhausted by the amount of work done but all in all it was great fun!”

“The tasks carried out by the Vodafone team members helped us all immensely,” said Judith Debono, administrator of Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesu. “All Vodafone team members enjoyed the experience. I really can’t express enough the satisfaction I get from seeing young people doing voluntary work and this encourages me to keep on working for this good cause.”

The Vodafone Malta Foundation has also contributed funds to the childcare centre in the home, but more financial support is needed to upgrade the centre to EU standards.