About a year into her role as chairperson of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCFF), Sina Bugeja said she has focused on strengthening the organisation while ensuring fairness and accessibility remain central to its work.

"One doesn't work on his or her own," she said in an interview with The Malta Independent on Sunday. "You work as part of a team."

Her priority, she explained, has been clear from the start: making sure everyone gets the support they need.

While the MCCFF has traditionally supported a wide range of medical needs - including the provision of specialised drugs, treatments abroad, and mobility support for people with disabilities - the social sector is currently experiencing the highest growth in demand.

"The social sector identifies individuals who are struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes they are asking for basic things like white goods that they would need to be able to live as decent a life as possible," Bugeja said. She highlighted that these requests often involve families and individuals whose incomes are low, including older women who may have very small pensions due to them never having contributed to national insurance.

Applications for social support are carefully assessed to ensure fairness and avoid duplication. The ministry responsible for social support has widened its support greatly and MCCFF wants to ensure that if a person is receiving help from either the ministry or another NGO, requests are not repeated. The MCCFF has an office in Valletta where people can submit requests, which are reviewed by the social board for social cases and the medical board for medical cases.

"Our social worker is in regular contact with the social worker of the individual from other agencies or organisations. We really want to make sure that there is no duplication of requests," Bugeja explained. She also emphasised that support is provided in a structured and transparent manner, with all assistance properly documented.

"The actual needs have increased across the board and in all areas including support for social cases, medical requirements, treatment abroad, and more," she said. Bugeja noted that even as some medical costs are increasingly taken on by the government, social support will remain a central function of the MCCFF.

Funding for social support comes from donations, sponsorships, and a range of fundraising activities and events. "We organise a number of activities throughout the year - the main scope is to collect funds, and the funds are used to support whoever comes forward with justified requests," Bugeja explained. The fund pools donations into a central kitty rather than assigning them to specific causes, ensuring resources are distributed according to needs.

Events and activities remain a cornerstone of the MCCFF's activities, not only as fundraisers but also as overtly moments of community solidarity. The annual August Moon Ball has long been a highlight. "People have been attending the August Moon Ball for years on end," Bugeja said. "Some even plan their holidays around it so they can be here." Smaller initiatives, however, have often grown out of personal stories, creating deeper connections between donors and beneficiaries. She pointed to events like Cycling with Jack, scheduled for 28 September and organised by a beneficiary's family, as an example." "It's not only about raising money," she said "it's also about raising awareness and creating that connection with the community."

MCCFF also supports initiatives, such as providing hair wigs for oncology patients. "People donate their hair, which is made into real human hair wigs," Bugeja explained. "Those who require them come to SAMOC (Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre) and we support them in the best way possible. So, it is not just funds. Events can also be physically demanding, she said recalling a 36-hour drumming marathon by Robert Spiteri. "Nobody would have expected it to be easy, yet he delivered and really helped raise funds for MCCFF," she said.

While challenges inevitably arise, such as scheduling conflicts or unpredictable weather, Bugeja said these are addressed proactively. "If something of national importance comes up, then we will reschedule," she said. "But we try to stick to our calendar as much as possible and find other solutions if challenges arise."

Planning major events is a collaborative process, involving months of preparation. "We always set up a core group for a specific event, delineate exactly what we want to achieve, and coordinate with all the other organisations, government departments and partners involved," she said.

Looking ahead, Bugeja sees the fund's role evolving. With the state preparing to eventually cover the cost of oncology medicines, MCCFF may increasingly focus on social support and treatment abroad and other medical needs not included in public provision. "We don't want people to depend on us and create another dependency," she said. "Our aim is that, through awareness and timely procedures, fewer people will have to turn to us in the first place. But as long as there is need, we will be here."

For Bugeja, MCCFF is more than just an institution; it is a reflection of national solidarity. "People know that when they donate, their contribution is helping someone directly," she said. "And for those who turn to us for help, we make sure their dignity is preserved - a priority just as important as providing financial support."

Inclusivity and fairness are at the core of the Fund's philosophy. "Clients that request our help are assessed carefully," Bugeja explained. "For example, if someone has a private health insurance, and their requirement can be covered, they will be expected to use it. But if a person is earning a basic salary and needs support, we will provide it. Every case is evaluated according to its specific circumstances."

From its beginnings in the late 1950s, when the Ball of the August Moon was first held, to its establishment as a foundation in 2015, the MCCFF has evolved to meet changing social needs. Under Bugeja's leadership, the emphasis is on access, accountability and community spirit. While she admits that "there is always room for improvement" she is confident the fund will remain a symbol of generosity and solidarity in Maltese life.

Bugeja also highlighted the role of volunteers and public participation in various spheres. "The general public is very generous," she said. "People who once received support often want to give back. That openness and generosity is something really beautiful to see. It's inspiring to witness how people turn difficult experiences into something positive for others."

Looking to the future, Bugeja stressed the importance of keeping the fund attuned to society's changing needs. "MCCFF needs to evolve in the same direction where society is going and support individuals in that particular manner and remain relevant," she said. She added that events such as L-Istrina remain central to the foundation's work, highlighting the generosity of the Maltese public and the vital role of community solidarity. "You have to experience it to understand it," she said. "Companies and individuals alike come forward to support society, and that's something really special. It doesn't happen everywhere in the world, and we need to appreciate it."

Whether it is supporting social cases, funding specialised medical treatments or creating community events, Bugeja's vision for the MCCFF remains rooted in fairness, transparency and care. "We really try not to lose anybody," she said. "Every contribution is very, very valid. We want to energise people to come forward and help. And as long as there is a need, MCCFF will continue to be there, making sure everyone gets the support they need."