Grant Thornton staff recently let their hair down and opted for a casual attire, as part of a charity event organised to help Dar Qalb ta' Gesu in Santa Venera by the firm's CSR Team.

The team members, including People and Culture Partner Stefano Mallia, dedicated their time and efforts to help with several restoration and maintenance work at the organisation's premises. Jobs carried out on the day included paintwork, cleaning, clearing of the neighbouring fields and outdoor space and whatever else was required. The event also saw members of the team prepare a hearty meal for those present, thus adding a stronger community ingredient to the productive day.

"We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves," said Mr Mallia, "This is a clear demonstration of how our team rally behind the firm's commitment to support institutions that play such an important social role in our society. Through this initiative we have not only helped the community at Dar Qalb ta' Gesu with its ongoing maintenance works, but we also had fun and deviated from our work routine."

This was not the first time that Grant Thornton provided monetary and non-financial assistance to philanthropic associations. "It is fairly easy today to help those in need by donating money, and while this is a notable gesture, it would be much better if we could all tangibly and personally help out where we can."

Dar Qalb ta' Gesu offers a second stage shelter to accommodate families, women and their children, who have suffered from domestic violence.  After having been in an Emergency Shelter for a short period of time, families are referred to the institution by the Foundation of Appogg.  Families are welcomed there for a period of up to approximately one year to enable mother and children to regain their self-esteem and skills towards eventual independent life. For this to be made possible, the insititution relies heavily on state support and donations and help from the general public and private companies, such as that made by Grant Thornton. The public is invited to contact the residential home's administrators to find out what help is required.

This initiative is one of many planned by Grant Thornton for the coming months, following in the steps of other Grant Thornton member firms who organise a yearly event titled Growing Together in the Community, addressing Grant Thornton's commitment to community engagement. "Many inspiring people from Grant Thornton Malta and across the globe are already providing innovative, generous and resourceful services to the communities they work and live in", commented Managing Partner Mark Bugeja at the end of the event, "We believe we have the global scale and expertise to make a real difference in our communities, and we are in a position to effect positive change in the communities we work and live in."