Thomas Smith Group presented €4,000 in funds raised in 2019 despite the cancellation of the annual Christmas Charity Swim scheduled for Sunday, 29 December. The swim was cancelled because of bad sea conditions that would have been hazardous to swimmers.

Chairman Joe Gerada, together with Liana Cachia, Group HR & Marketing director, and organiser of the Thomas Smith Christmas Charity Swim, presented the funds to Dr George Vella, President of Malta, on 6 January at San Anton Palace.

During the cheque presentation, President Vella thanked Thomas Smith Group for their efforts and dedication in organising the Charity Swim annually and commended the company for contributing towards the final amount of the €4,000 donated. The amount was reached through public donations and topped up by Thomas Smith Group.

Ever since its inception, the Group, together with the swimmers' donations have collected just over €124,000.

"Cancelling the swim was of great disappointment to the company as well as to keen supporters who were eagerly awaiting the swim. Unfortunately, the sea conditions were too dangerous for an estimate of 300 swimmers. Safety is our top priority. We look forward to the 22nd edition to be held in 2020, on Sunday, 27 December," said Gerada.

President Vella thanked the company for its annual initiative and expressed his gratitude for the donation presented by Gerada and Cachia despite that the Charity Swim was cancelled. 

Held every year since 1999, this year would have marked the 21st edition of the Thomas Smith Charity Swim. The swim is held every year under the patronage of the Office of the President.

The company would like to extend its appreciation to all who supported the event in spite of it being cancelled, including participants who have once again shown great enthusiasm. Regular supporters included the Sliema Local Council, Civil Protection Department, the Malta Police Force, Malta Red Cross, Emergency and Fire Rescue Unit, St John's Rescue Corps, Għaqda Dilettanti Sajd Sliema, Drinks n' More, Vertex Vending Services Ltd, H2Only, Fresco's Café & Restaurant, Cara's Cafeteria, Clyde Dolceria, Hive, Wava, Karl Borg Events, Deejay Arthur Garrett, Transient Light & Sound, Wallace Pipe Band, Golden Gate, Resolve Consulting, Mar's Photography, iCam Studios and General Cleaners.

Thomas Smith is a group of companies offering a diversified portfolio of services in shipping, logistics and insurance. Thomas Smith Group leverages Malta's strategic location to provide a host of professional and logistics services for individuals, SMEs and industry.