The 12th edition of L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign was launched by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Edgar Preca during a meeting for all heads of schools at Verdala Palace this week. They were accompanied by Bank of Valletta CEO Charles Borg.
As in previous years, a fleet of piggy banks is currently being distributed across all primary and secondary schools across Malta and Gozo. During her speech, President Coleiro Preca encouraged all heads of schools to work as a team. "Aptly named 'Mit-Tfal b'Solidarjetà', this campaign addresses the very youngest segment of our society. Through their efforts, under your guidance, they learn the true meaning of solidarity, which is the value underlying the whole Istrina campaign which enables the Malta Community Chest Fund to reach out to the most vulnerable members of our community." She concluded by urging those present and all teachers to organise initiatives that involve children directly so that they feel that they are truly contributing to this philanthropic effort in person.
In his intervention, Charles Borg, thanked all volunteers who play an important part in orchestrating this event, which runs over a number of months. "This initiative started out small but has continued to grow steadily year on year. To date the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign has contributed over €1 million towards the Malta Community Chest Fund." Speaking about the campaign, he said, "The L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign is particularly close to our heart because it addresses our children, instilling in them the value of altruism, which is an integral part of our national identity."
Bank of Valletta is one of the main supporters of the Malta Community Chest Fund. In addition to the organisation of the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign, the Bank contributes towards other initiatives, including Rockestra, Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina and Tisjir Mill-Qalb.