The Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntarism has provided a €20,000 financial grant to the Service Dogs Malta Foundation to support its new Accessible Transport for Independence project.

Funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), the grant will enable the foundation to purchase a specially adapted van. This vehicle is designed for the safe transport of assistance dogs - both fully trained and in training-alongside service users and volunteers, a government statement said Tuesday.

Announced by Minister Julia Farrugia, the new vehicle will serve essential daily operational needs, including transporting dogs to veterinary visits, medical check-ups, training sessions, and community engagement events. By removing a major logistical obstacle, the investment aims to improve animal welfare during transport while expanding the foundation's capacity to pair assistance dogs with individuals in need.

Minister Farrugia emphasized that true independence is built by overcoming practical barriers in daily life, noting that assistance dogs significantly boost safety, confidence, and freedom for individuals with disabilities.

She added that concrete support like this gives people greater choice and control over their lives. Furthermore, the foundation's President, Joseph Stafrace, noted that the modern van will help the organization expand its reach, conduct more awareness activities, and reduce operational fuel costs.

MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandalo highlighted that the VOPS scheme provides vital flexibility for voluntary organizations to realize impactful projects that directly strengthen community services.