The Karl Vella Foundation (KVF) is excited to celebrate its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of dedicated support for families facing illness and loss. In celebration of this milestone, KVF is launching the "€10 for 10 Years of KVF" campaign, inviting the community to contribute €10 to help sustain and expand the Foundation's vital services.
KVF was established by Claire Chircop and Rosemary Ann Vella, in memory of Karl Vella, whose compassion and selflessness in the face of his terminal illness inspired the Foundation's mission. Since its inception, KVF has grown into a beacon of hope for countless families, offering free psychotherapeutic support through a range of tailored programmes.
The Wellness Pod, KVF's first programme, provides children, aged 5 to 17, with psycho- educational activities designed to instil a positive life perspective, empower emotional management, and fortify mental well-being. Recognising that trauma can hinder a child's academic performance, KVF has recently extended the Wellness Pod to also include free educational support. A participant in this programme poignantly noted, "We're really not alone when we have KVF there," capturing the essence of the Foundation's mission to offer unwavering support.
Following Claire's bone marrow transplant in the UK in 2021, KVF launched the Because You Matter service, offering psycho-emotional support to patients, donors, and caregivers traveling abroad for medical treatment. Through regular phone calls and individual therapy, KVF ensures that these individuals and their families receive the support they need, even from afar. Additionally, KVF team members travel to the UK quarterly to provide in-person support and assess the service's effectiveness.
The Life Beyond Loss programme, developed in collaboration with the Franciscan Conventual Friars, offers grief therapy groups for those who have lost a partner or a child. Led by professional bereavement therapists and spiritual directors, these groups provide a holistic approach to healing and support.
Additionally, this year, KVF has proudly introduced the Lifeloom Training Hub, which offers comprehensive training to professionals in the social and educational sectors, parents, companies, and the general public. Drawing on over eight years of experience, the Lifeloom Hub aims to spread awareness and equip individuals with effective tools to support those dealing with illness and grief.
As we reflect on our journey over the past decade, we invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting KVF's mission. By donating just €10, you can help us continue to provide these essential services to families in need.
"We are incredibly grateful for the community's support over the past ten years," says Claire Chircop, co-founder of KVF. "This campaign is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to be part of our mission, ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of illness or loss alone."
"Your time and dedication are the driving force to our families in times when we
desperately need that push." This heartfelt feedback from a service user underscores the vital role KVF plays in supporting families during their most challenging times.
How you can help
- Donate €10: Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of families facing difficult times. Donate Now
- Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks to help us reach more people.
- Get Involved: Learn more about our programmes and consider volunteering or supporting us in other ways.
For more information about KVF and the "€10 for 10 Years of KVF" campaign, please visit www.karlvellafoundation.org.