President George Vella said that in today’s fast-paced life, we should take a good look around us and see the role played by volunteering, often in silence, with people who understand and appreciate the importance of giving back to society. “Volunteering was, is, and will still be one of the main pillars on which the future of our people rests. I say this because I fully believe that volunteering helps us build a stronger society,” said President Vella during the award ceremony of the National Volunteer Award 2023.
“Since the beginning of this Presidency, which is now approaching its end, I felt that I should focus and give full importance to the voluntary sector in our country because it helps increase the sense of unity, solidarity and inclusion, it increases dialogue and tolerance, and is central to reducing prejudice, poverty and social exclusion,” said the President of Malta while mentioning the contact he and Miriam had with many voluntary organisations that are doing invaluable work.
While congratulating the winners and thanking all volunteers, the President thanked the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector which is celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of its establishment. Dr Vella said that the Council has created an environment that facilitates the involvement of more people in this field and noted with satisfaction the theme chosen for this anniversary, “Giving voice and visibility to the voluntary sector”.
“I agree and believe that we should continue to try and raise as much as possible the profile of volunteering in our country and encourage more people, including children and the elderly, to get into this sector,” said the President of Malta.
The Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli, while referring to the valuable work of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector over the past 15 years, defined volunteering as a national treasure that we must cherish.
The winners are:
National Volunteer Award: Noel Aquilina, Malta Wheelchair Basketball Association
Youth Volunteer Award: Marius Barbara, Karibu! Malta
Volunteer Organisation Award: Down Syndrome Association Malta
Victor Calvagna Children Volunteer Award: Jake Vella nominated by the Malta Sports Journalists Association
Special Award for Voluntary Service: Fr Hilary Tagliaferro