Bank of Valletta has presented the sum of €258,370 to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, during the fund-raising marathon L-Istrina. This represents the sum of €58,370 raised by children from all primary and secondary schools across Malta and Gozo through the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign. Bank of Valletta topped the sum with a donation of €200,000.

Mario Mallia, CEO of Bank of Valletta accompanied by chief Financial officer Elvia George, staff members and children presented the donation to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Edgar Preca during the live broadcast of L-Istrina.

Mallia said: "The aim of the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign is being met with the sum collected from schools which increased from last year. As has become customary, Bank of Valletta has added a healthy donation to this amount to help the Community Chest Fund Foundation meet its ever-increasing demands. Bank of Valletta is a firm believer in solidarity and this is one major event that the bank supports through its extensive Community Programme."

The L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign is an integral part of the L-Istrina effort and has contributed over €1.8m to L-Istrina since its inception in 2004.