Thomas Smith Group presented the funds raised during the 20th edition of the annual Christmas Charity Swim to the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at San Anton Palace. The amount collected was made up of just under €7,000 from the public, while Thomas Smith topped up and rounded the amount to €10,000.

During the cheque presentation, the President, on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, thanked Thomas Smith Group once again for organising the Charity Swim on an annual basis and commended the company for contributing towards the final amount of the €10,000 donated. Ever since its inception, the Group together with the swimmers' donations have collected just over €120,000.

Two hundred and thirty-three swimmers of all ages braved the cold winter sea in Sliema on Sunday, 30 December; 79 females and 154 male swimmers took part, with the youngest being two-year-old Sami Hagos and the eldest swimmer being 82-year-old Wilfred Pirotta. "The Thomas Smith Charity Swim continues to attract a number of swimmers, expressing their solidarity and altruism," said Joe Gerada, managing director at Thomas Smith Group. "We look forward to the 21st edition to be held on Sunday, 29 December."

The President, in the name of all the Foundation's beneficiaries thanked Thomas Smith Group, for organising this annual event which has now become a part of the calendar of annual events organised in aid of the MCCFF. The President also thanked the event's participants, for taking part in the swim in weather conditions which are not always favourable, to help our Maltese and Gozitan brothers and sisters in need.

Liana Cachia, Thomas Smith Marketing & Human Resources director and organiser of the event, was this year accompanied by Luciano Galea, representing Thomas Smith swimmers, Jessica Micallef, representing Thomas Smith volunteers, Raniero Borg and Rainier Cachia, both representing the participants.