[WATCH] L-Istrina: Over €5.5 million donated

18th edition of fund raising marathon in aid of Malta Community Chest Fund succeeds in beating last year’s record

Last updated on 27 December 2016, 12:18am
by Yannick Pace

1 min read

L-Istrina takes off

L-Istrina, the annual boxing day telethon in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund has collected over €5.5 million in donations, beating last year's record by more than a million Euro.

The 12-hour marathon was held at the Kirkop Sports Centre and was broadcoast throughout the day on all local TV stations.

This year’s marathon started with the story of Samuel, an 11-year-old boy who was blinded by cancer and who said that he was lucky to have received help from the Community Chest Fund.

Funds raised during the marathon are used by the Community Chest Fund to help individuals, like Samuel, to overcome difficulties they may be experiencing in life.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna praised Samuel for his spirit and attitude towards life, as did President Marie Louise Coleiro, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, all of whom addressed those present in Kirkop and watching at home.

Photo by James Bianchi/MediaToday

They urged people to contribute to the cause to help the Malta Community Chest Fund in the very good work done with those in need.

The telethon also included the traditional politicians’ dance, that this year featured Labour MPs Franco Mercieca and Justyne Caruana and Opposition MPs Tonio Fenech, Robert Arrigo and Antoine Borg dressed as pirates and dancing to Latvia’s 2008 Eurovision entry, "Pirates of the Sea". Health minister Chris Fearne later popped up on stage dressed as Freddie Portelli to sing "Mur Hallini".

Donations could be made by phone on 5170 2011 for a €15 donation, 5180 2012 to donate €25. The numbers of SMS donations were 5061 9201 to donate €11.65 and 5061 8918 for a €6.99 donation.

Yannick Pace was a MaltaToday reporter between 2016-2020