Out of a total of 13 countries in Southern Europe surveyed in the 2012 World Giving Index, Malta is the highest ranked country in the region. It is also the country with the largest participation in donating money to charity in a typical month; the island nation is ranked eighth on this measure globally.
When all the criteria are considered, Malta places 21st place out of all the 145 countries surveyed. Malta ranked 19th in the World Giving Index 2011 and 13th in the index for 2010. Not bad at all!
So if you ever thought for a moment that political donations lead to a cut into charitable donations, think again. Forget about the above-mentioned survey for a minute and think charity event ‘L-Istrina’ - a case in point.
Despite different political connotations, we Maltese always get together and donate the best we can in aid of ‘L’Istrina’ and other charitable institutions that don’t fall under the Community Chest Fund umbrella – a marathon that has become part of our annual calendar.
Our confidence in the power of philanthropy is tried and tested. We are always among the first to voluntarily descend upon devastated countries or communities providing cash, supplies and simply our assistance. The outpouring of support highlights how central a role charity plays in our lives.
Another thing, which one would think would lead to cuts, is the uncertainty about where the economy is headed, but yet again, we still show our willingness to donate more towards such causes.
A staggering total of €900,000 was collected by the two main political parties barely two weeks ago, and every year ‘L’Istrina’ collects far more than that which goes to show that ‘L-Istrina’ is hardy affected as a result of the political fund-raising marathons. Last year, ‘L-Istrina’ raised €2,500,000 in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
With this year being an exception, since we have been set in fear for an election, it would be a great idea though, that such political-related fund-raising activities are held at least two months prior to ‘L-Istrina’. This should help us avoid feel the pinch.
We hope that this year’s edition of ‘L-Istrina’ will prove the point that we are a generous nation once again. But it goes further than that. The Maltese are a nation of people that will always rush to help when something is needed. Take blood donation. Our reserves are what they are – we cannot change the fact that this is a small island with a small population. But every time there is an urgent call for blood, donors flock to the Blood Donation Unit to give what they can.
Social media are also playing an increasing role in the field of charity. Anytime there is a cause, it is immediately splashed all over Facebook and Twitter, whether it involves animals, things needed by the YMCA, homes of children or any other cause.
For all our faults, we do believe in giving and helping others, and that is the way that it should be. In many societies, the term community spirit has gone out of the window. But that is not the case here. With all the differences we have when it comes to politics and sport and whatever else, it is refreshing to see that every time there is a cause that needs attention, the Maltese respond and with gusto. May it long continue.