L-Istrina raised €5.76 million on Friday, with proceeds going to the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF). The annual charity telethon, now in its 30th edition, remains Malta's largest fundraising event of its kind.

The televised programme ran from noon until midnight and was broadcast on most major television channels. This year's event was held at the Kirkop Sports Complex and featured live performances and appearances by well-known public figures.

The broadcast was officially opened by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, together with Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Alex Borg, and Archbishop Charles Scicluna.

Funds collected during L-Istrina are used to support patients and their families facing serious illnesses, including cancer, and to assist those who require medical treatment abroad.

First held in 1995, L-Istrina has become a Boxing Day tradition for many Maltese households. This year's total surpassed the €5.2 million raised in 2024, though it fell short of the record €7 million collected in 2018.

Donations were made throughout the day by members of the public, businesses, public entities, NGOs, charitable organisations, and schools. Bank of Valletta announced a contribution of €312,000, noting that €62,000 of this amount was raised by primary and secondary school students across the country.

Prime Minister Robert Abela also announced a €100,000 donation from the Social Causes Fund.

In a statement on Saturday, Spiteri Debono thanked the Maltese and Gozitan people for the solidarity and generosity shown during the L-Istrina 2025 fundraiser.

In her message, the President stated that she rightly has confidence in the Maltese and Gozitan people, because this year too they have shown that they are ready to help in any call for assistance.

The President also thanked the hundreds of workers and volunteers, who throughout the year worked to organize various activities, as well as to make this year's edition of L-Istrina a success.