University launches Christmas on Campus

The proceeds will go towards Istrina, Dar tal-Providenza and to the University's Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), to benefit cancer research at the University.

Christmas on Campus 2013 features a series of daily events throughout December. Among the numerous activities, there are food stalls, sale of Christmas goods and bakes from the Chaplaincy foyer, €1 Smart Card donation, competitions, a movie marathon night, mini concerts, and a trekking event at Golden Bay on Friday 13^th at 1.30pm.

Other highlights include "Pumpiera" on Tuesday 17^th whereby participants will be allowed to wear full gear and ride the fire engine for a nominal donation, and a Car Free Day on Thursday 19^th when all cars will enter campus against a €1 donation.

This year's edition of Christmas on Campus is being coordinated by various parties including the University Administration, the Chaplaincy and KSU, who are also bringing together several student organisations to further aid this cause.

"Christmas on Campus 2013 brings together the joint effort of all students, staff and academics at the University of Malta, in a bid to make a difference in our society," said the University's Chaplain Fr Patrick Magro. "Preparations for this event have been going on from the beginning of this academic year and we are pleased to see such great enthusiasm from all students involved." 

"With a jam-packed calendar of events throughout December, University is being turned into a buzzing Christmas hub, all in aid of charity," said KSU President Thomas Bugeja. "The activities are open to students, friends, families and the public and we hope that this year's efforts would raise a good sum of money."

A third of the fundraising proceeds will go towards the Research Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta, in favour of cancer research projects at the University. "This is another opportunity for the community to actively participate in the future of our University by supporting its research," said RIDT's CEO Wilfred Kenely.

"One of our priorities is the recognition that research is another good cause that deserves our support. As a country, we are renowned for our generous spirit when we come across a good cause. Now we want to ensure that research is on the 'good causes' list because it is beneficial to the community," said Mr Kenely.

The University Chapel will be holding the Christmas Novena between the 16^th and 23^rd December at 12.30pm, the Christmas Vigil on Christmas Eve at 11.30pm and a Thanksgiving Holy Mass on the 31^st December at 8.00pm. The public is encouraged to attend.

The full programme of events may be viewed on the University website at: http://www.um.edu.mt/