The Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Helena Dalli, addressed the annual general conference of the St Lazarus Foundation in Malta. The foundation has over 14,000 members in 46 countries, including Malta.  It works on a number of projects with national governments and international organizations such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe.  Its projects are aimed at improving the quality of life of disadvantaged people worldwide. In Malta it supports projects undertaken by different NGOs.  The members of the foundation are all volunteers.

Dr Dalli praised the sterling work done by the volunteers to raise money and support NGOs locally and abroad.  She reiterated the government’s commitment to work towards strengthening the voluntary sector in Malta.  Among the initiatives which will be taken during this legislature is the setting-up of a Round Table for NGOs.

Massimo Ellul, the Chairperson of the Saint Lazarus Foundation in Malta, gave a comprehensive breakdown of the various initiatives which have been taken so far by the Malta branch since its establishment 11 years ago.  He said that these projects with local NGOs are worth almost €200,000.  Mr Ellul said the foundation is looking forward to more collaboration from the government on policy regarding the voluntary sector.

More information about the St Lazarus Foundation can be found online at www.saintlazarus.org.