Maltese and Gozitan registered voluntary organisations will benefit from €3 million in funding, which is part of the government's economic regeneration plan.

According to Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sports and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima, this is the biggest investment the voluntary sector has ever seen.

"Such funding is essential for the existence of such organisations; we have a variety of different voluntary organisations that do various jobs in the medical, social and educational field and all deserve aid."Grima was speaking on Thursday during a news conference held by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna.

The government has presented a multi-million euro 'mini-budget' aimed at helping the economy recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The budget includes a number of measures that are directly aimed at boosting the economy, but also other measures, such as the €3 million funding towards voluntary organisations. Due to COVID-19 and health restrictive measures, the funding of most voluntary organisations have dried up.

Grima stressed that every volunteer does invaluable work and that this money will be well spent in society. "It is the government's duty to help these organisations and to turn challenges into opportunities."

Finance Minister Scicluna explained that the fund is one of a kind, which is to help such voluntary organisations to be able to continue their doing their work. "This government takes pride in the NGOs and their hard work, and we could not leave them out in this economic regeneration plan," said Scicluna.

The Chairman of the Council for Volunteering, Noel Camilleri ensured that funds will be distributed fairly and equally amongst NGOs. "Our sector of voluntary organisations must remain strong and united. The funding will help us continue to do the hard work which such organisations have dedicated time to and the sector will be given the recognition it deserves."