Christmas donations: selecting a charity for your end-of-year good deed

Each year, the generosity of the Maltese is showcased in these two major marathons. Just last year, l-Istrina, held under the patronage of President of the Republic George Abela, broke all records and collected €2,566,539 in 12 hours.

But while media attention may turn to these two well-deserved causes, one cannot forget that there are other charities who need some of your generosity.

For this year, MaltaToday has chosen four entities that seek to make a difference in their own way: two are homes for the homeless, one is an animal charity, while another sponsors the education of children in Kenya.

YMCA - the shelter for the homeless

Established in Malta since 1976, YMCA operates with youths, children and the underprivileged. Through its homeless shelter Dar Niki Cassar, the care-giving NGO currently provides shelter to 27 individuals, even though it is targeted to provide accommodation to 22.

Dar Niki Cassar is currently home to 12 males and 13 women, six of which are young people below 18 years of age. Two children aged two and six also reside at this home.

The individuals who usually end up at Dar Niki Cassar would either be facing family struggles leading them to leave their family home; termination of service in another residential facility; substandard accommodation; the physical destruction of their home; or the legal or financial factors resulting in the loss of their property.

Apart from this group, YMCA also provides daily community services to over  30 persons.

"Running these services obviously requires much help from many individuals and private donors. Food is a constant need at the YMCA, both for the shelter programme and for the community programme where clients are assisted in budgeting skills," YMCA spokesperson Maria Sammut says. 

For more information on how to help, call YMCA on 21 228035. SMS donations can be made through 50618088 for a €4.66 donation or on 50619212 for an €11.65 donation. 

Dar Leopoldo - giving a roof to vulnerable men

Part of the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, Dar Patri Leopoldo caters for men and boys who found themselves homeless for various reasons, including separations, rejection from family, poverty, unemployment and loss of residence.

Dar Leopoldo also offers shelter to former prisoners and drug addicts who have since kicked the habit.

The house is currently home to 13 persons. While giving them a roof over their heads, residents are helped in their personal care, personal skills as well as social skills. The Foundation helps the residents to tackle their problems from their roots and ensure that they will have a better quality of life and become independent as quickly as possible.

Rather than money, home coordinator Charles Mifsud urges people who'd like to help out to donate pans, bowls, dishes and pots.

"We are looking to change our kitchen utensils as the ones we have are old. We also need a microwave and linens such as towels, face cloths and bedding," Mifsud says.

He adds that food and detergent items are always welcome.

For more information on how to help Dar Leopoldo, call Suret il-Bniedem Foundation on 21 232330 or send an email to [email protected]

Happy Paws - the animal charity organisation

Man's best friend and yet dogs are still chucked out of houses when they no longer remain 'cuddly puppies' or their owners simply get fed up of them. Founded in 2004, Happy Paws Charity organisation strives to be of service to the stray animals and to the people who care for them by providing free neutering for those who joined the Happy Paws Team in the veterinary clinic in Marsa.

Happy Paws neuters an average of six to eight dog and between 15 and 20 cats every day.

Apart from the resident veterinary staff, the organisation is completely run by volunteers. Three charity shops, sponsorships, donations, the 'Rainbow' wall and fund-raising events finance it.

"We believe the only way to control stray dog and cat overpopulation and the killing of adoptable animals is by decreasing birth rates. This is why we opened the Happy Paws Animal Clinic - the only spay and neuter clinic of its kind in Malta," spokesperson Maike Beekman says.

For more information on how to help Happy Paws, call on 21227127 or 79227127 or send an email to [email protected]. Visit the website at http://www.happypaws.org.mt

Kare4Kenya - working to help Kenyan children

Kare4Kenya is a non-profit Non Governmental Development Organisation based in Malta working to help Kenyan children reach their potential while working with youths and parents to help themselves and build a better future.

Established in 2002, Kare4Kenya started with a class of 60 children whose ages ranged between three and 16. Class was held in a room within a church compound. The project continued by providing for the children's schooling and medical expenses of the children and their families.

Currently Kare4Kenya supports 53 children - five attend kindergarten, 25 are at primary level and the remaining 21 go to secondary schools.

Apart from paying for their education, Kare4Kenya pays the medical expenses of the children and their families. Kare4Kenya offers assistance to the children by finding sponsors who help us pay our children's educational fees.

"Lately, expenses have increased, particularly since the children are getting older and most of them are attending secondary schools," spokesperson Pia Darmanin says.

Anyone wishing to be part of the sponsorship scheme is kindly requested to contact Kare4Kenya on [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected].
Further info may be found on kare4kenya.org.mt