1,600 trees and shrubs have been planted in a joint initiative between Parks Malta and Puttinu Cares, the government said.

The trees and shrubs, funded by Parks Malta, were planted in return for every €300 or more that the public donated to Puttinu Cares. The initiative was launched in April, to help collect funds for Puttinu Cares. Parks Malta invested €35,000 in return. The trees and shrubs are being planted in Mosta and Birżebbuġa, in two designated open spaces that the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise is embellishing for the public's enjoyment.

The trees and shrubs were planted in Mosta at the Ta' Millbrae area, which is being transformed into a picnic area, and in Birżebbuġa at a site that will house one of Malta's largest family parks.

"Each tree will carry a tag, commemorating the memory of a patient or the organisation that made the donation. Preparatory work by Parks Malta included data collection for each tree, to allow benefactors to virtually monitor the progress of their tree through a geotagging system."

Saluting Dr Victor Calvagna's work with Puttinu Cares, the first tree as part of this initiative had been planted in Dr Calvagna's memory. "It is admirable to see the public sector and voluntary organisations join forces for such a noble cause. Puttinu carries out invaluable work with patients and their families at the most difficult of times, and, through Parks Malta, we wanted to support their work as well", Minister Dalli said.

"The initiative helped to green our spaces and simultaneously collect donations for Puttinu", Minister Miriam Dalli remarked. The minister encouraged the public to continue supporting Puttinu Cares through the Christmas period as well.

Celebrating the collaboration, Parks Malta Director General Adrian Attard reiterated their commitment. "As Parks Malta, our aim is to continue working and collaborating on similar initiatives to contribute towards a better environment for our society", Attard added. Puttinu Cares CEO Rennie Zerafa thanked Parks Malta for the collaboration, allowing the memory of a loved one to symbolically live on through a planted tree. Victor Calvagna's family and the Mosta Local Council were also present.