Helping cancer patients ‘is a duty’, Coleiro Preca tells critics

The support given by the Malta Community Chest Fund to cancer sufferers and their relatives is not a question of ‘begging’ but a duty which society feels to help others, President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has told MaltaToday.

“No one is begging the President for help … we strongly believe in social justice and people’s dignity. As President of the Republic, I have an obligation to help those in need. We are all brothers and sisters and, as long as I can help, I will,” she said.

Coleiro Preca’s comments were made following the launch of the President’s fun run, which is taking place on November 6.

It was during his Independence Day speech that opposition leader Simon Busuttil said that cancer sufferers should not “go pleading to the President” for help as all support should be given by the state.

MCCF spends between €250,000 and €300,000 each month – funds which depend on the generosity of the Maltese people.

Following last year’s incident, Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina will not be held this year. The show proved to be a successful fundraiser but MCCF must now continue thinking of alternatives.

Next week the MCCF will be hosting the Young Philharmonic Orchestra of Vienna, whilst a number of other events will be held towards the end of the year.

“Our revenue depends on people’s generosity. We have no service provision from the government which means that, without the public’s support, we cannot continue with our work,” Coleiro Preca added.