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L-Istrina charity telethon raises €5.2 million for Community Chest Fund
The traditional 12-hour charity telethon broadcast on all TV channels on Boxing Day raises €5.2 million
26 December 2024, 11:16am
Matthew Farrugia
Matthew Farrugia
2 min read
L-Istrina 2024 collected €5.2 million (Photo: Office of the President/Facebook)
The annual charity telethon on Boxing Day, L-Istrina, raised €5.2 million for the Malta Community Chest Fund, in line with the same amount collected last year.
L-Istrina 2024 kicked off at noon and ended at midnight. It was broadcast on all television stations, with the public being urged to donate in person or via phone. This year's edition was held from the Sports Complex in Kirkop.
President Myriam Spiteri Debono, who heads the Community Chest Fund, thanked all donors for their generosity saying they had confirmed her confidence in the sense of solidarity of the Maltese people. Proceeds primarily support patients in need of costly medical treatments, including children.
L-Istrina has been running since 1995 and has become a tradition. The highest sum ever collected was In 2018 when people donated €7 million. Over the past few years donations have stabilised at just over €5 million. In last year's edition, €5.3 million were donated.
Ahead of this year’s telethon, President Myriam Spiteri Debono shared an emotional account of a recent visit to Maltese patients receiving treatment in London. The President highlighted the far-reaching impact of illness on families, noting not only the physical and emotional toll but also the financial strain, as many lose income while seeking care.
L-Istrina continues to serve as a lifeline for families facing such challenges, providing hope and tangible support in their time of need, she said.
At the launch of the marathon, Prime Minister Robert Abela presented a donation of €100,000 from the Good Causes Fund.
He said l-Istrina had become synonymous with the values of solidarity and generosity. "It's an occasion that brings people together - it unites us all in solidarity, " he said, while urging those facing health challenges to focus on their wellbeing and let the state and the people focus on their financial needs.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech meanwhile called l-Istrina a long tradition that united generous people.He too urged people to do their part and back those facing challenges by donating money to help them get back on their feet.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna meanwhile noted that "the gift of l-Istrina" should come from the heart. He said it symbolised wishes of good health, blessings and solidarity.
Matthew Farrugia is a staff reporter at MaltaToday
