Real estate giant RE/MAX Malta recently donated €50,000 to the President's Trust and the Malta Community Chest Fund. The amount, which was passed on directly to President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca during the company's Christmas party at the Westin Dragonara Resort, included €40,000 specifically in aid of the #HelpThemRead charity drive campaign, which was launched in the final quarter of 2018 to support 60 visually-impaired children.

Addressing RE/MAX staff at the party - many of whom also attended with their partners - President Coleiro Preca said: "I am proud of all of you for championing such a noble cause and making it your mission to raise such a substantial amount for less fortunate children who urgently require equipment to empower them and be able to read. This gesture will be life altering for these children and the community at large. The RE/MAX & Friends Foundation is a shining example to other companies and a beacon of Corporate Social Responsibility."

The RE/MAX & Friends Foundation, together with RE/MAX's Sales and Letting offices, organised a competition to see which branch could raise the most funds for the cause. From trekking events and blind-folded dog walks, to hot dog and lemonade stand sales and car washes (and even musical concerts featuring local artists, five-a-side football tournaments and children fun days), the company went the extra mile to ensure that it was able to reach its target.

The offices that raised the most for the #HelpThemRead Campaign were treated to a surprise presentation, where certificates were personally presented by President Coleiro Preca. The top five offices to receive certificates were: RE/MAX Alliance Tigne, RE/MAX Affiliates Fgura, RE/MAX Affiliates Ta' L-Ibrag, RE/MAX Alliance Marina, and RE/MAX Affiliates Crown Sliema.

Jeff Buttigieg, a board member on the RE/MAX & Friends Foundation, stated: "We set some challenging targets and it did seem to be a very difficult task to begin with, but it brought the whole company together. All 27 offices got involved, believed in the cause and achieved this fantastic result together. It was very satisfying to see so many selfless acts being made by people in our organisation... They believed in one goal, and they enjoyed themselves."

The RE/MAX & Friends Foundation is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 2014. Its focus is to raise funds for chronically ill children. The Foundation also retains a percentage of its funds for staff members who may fall chronically ill and could require monetary support for approved treatments.