The fifth Volunteer Centre operated by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) has been officially inaugurated in Paola. The new facility will offer space and support to voluntary organisations based in the southern region of Malta, the government said.
Named the Jake Vella Volunteer Centre, the building was inaugurated by Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia, in the presence of MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandalo, as well as Jake Vella's parents and relatives.
Following the establishment of centres in Valletta, Rabat, Birkirkara, and Xewkija in Gozo, the new Paola centre is set to provide vital services to small and medium-sized voluntary organisations that rely on these kinds of facilities for their operations. Registered voluntary organisations (VOs) will be able to access meeting rooms, resources, and space for planning and organising their activities.
The opening of this centre also represents the fulfilment of another government electoral pledge aimed at strengthening infrastructure for volunteering across the islands.
The centre pays tribute to Jake Vella, a young and inspirational figure in the Maltese voluntary sector who was known for his big heart and tireless contributions, especially in support of abandoned animals and other social causes. His memory will live on through the activities that take place within the centre bearing his name.
In her speech at the inauguration, Minister Farrugia said that the centre is more than just a facility - it is a symbol of solidarity, inclusion, and the power of volunteering to improve lives.
"This Volunteer Centre, which carries Jake Vella's name, reflects everything we stand for: solidarity, inclusion, and recognition of the selfless work that transforms lives. It also sends a clear message that the government is delivering on its promises by investing in people and in spaces that bring added value to the country. Jake's memory will live on here, inspiring all those who dedicate their time for the good of others," the Minister said.
Organisations wishing to make use of the Jake Vella Volunteer Centre can do so via the online booking system at maltacvs.org. The site provides real-time availability of rooms and clear instructions on how to book them, a process already familiar to organisations using other centres.
Jake's parents, Josie and Mariska Vella, said the centre would help keep Jake's memory alive among the volunteer community. Despite his personal health struggles, Jake was a passionate volunteer who helped launch several initiatives in support of animals and various charitable causes.
MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandalo noted that this centre will extend support to more organisations in the south of Malta, where it has often been difficult to find appropriate working space.
"With this addition, we now have a wide range of centres operating across the Maltese Islands, always with the goal of being close to where the organisations and the volunteering activity are. We can now say this initiative has matured, offering accessible services to organisations without a fixed base, who wish to benefit from facilities throughout Malta and Gozo," he said.
The Jake Vella Volunteer Centre is expected to become an important resource for local voluntary organisations, serving as a lasting tribute to a young man whose spirit of service continues to inspire, the government said.