A €500,000 donation by the new sponsors of Sliema Wanderers will have to go through a vetting process, Dar tal-Providenza said on Saturday.

The donation, by Catco Group Capital Investment, was presented by former Opposition Leader Adrian Delia during the home’s annual fundraising telethon on Friday.

Delia said he had been introduced to the group by Sliema Wanderers president Jeffrey Farrugia. He then read out a message by the group, and said this was not a one-off but the group wants to create a structure to make regular donations to Dar tal-Providenza.

In a statement, Dar tal-Providenza said all donations of €5,000 and over, as well as all pledges above €10,000 from individuals and companies are subject to a vetting process.

As part of this process, and also in conformity with regulatory requirements, Id-Dar tal-Providenza requested further documentation following the pledge of €500,000 by Catco Group Capital Investment. 

“Id-Dar tal-Providenza does not only rely on documentation provided but conducts its own verification process before accepting such donations. Acceptance of the donation is subject to the Home’s internal verification process.”

The home thanked the general public for its “outstanding generosity” in the annual Festa ta’ Ġenerożità fundraising marathon organised on New Year's Day.

These donations will be the lifeline support which the Home needs for it to continue providing professional services to the residents especially during these trying times, it said.