Caritas Malta is launching the Caritas Trail on Sunday 29th September 2013. Everyone is invited to join and support Caritas by walking, jogging or cycling on the day. This was announced by Mgr. Carmelo Farrugia, Assistant Director of Caritas Malta, during a press conference held at San Blas Rehabilitation Centre on Wednesday 28th August.
‘The Caritas Trail is the first fund-raising event of its scale being launched by Caritas Malta,’ explained Mgr. Farrugia. ‘Caritas provides an array of services free of charge to people who would not otherwise be able to afford them. These include rehabilitation from substance abuse, support groups for persons in difficulty and counseling services. The Caritas Trail is being organised for the first time ever to help Caritas continue in its mission to extend a helping hand to those in need’. It was also pointed out that in addition to these services, Caritas Malta organises prevention education in schools and work places, as well as hosts social activities, meetings and advice to older people in the community.
John Casssar White, Chairman at Bank of Valletta congratulated Mgr. Farrugia for their initiative, and said “Bank of Valletta’s roots run deep into the Maltese community, and the Bank has always worked hard to strengthen these ties. Our collaboration with Caritas Malta dates back several years, and we consider this collaboration as investment in the social fibre of the Maltese community. The work that this NGO does to help those in need is priceless, and we trust that our support helps to lighten the burden and extend their reach.” He concluded his intervention by wishing Caritas Malta well for this event.
The Caritas Trail is also being supported by Maltapost. The CEO Joseph Gafa, was also present for the press conference, and said, “We are delighted to be supporting such a good cause organised by Caritas Malta. MaltaPost’s Post Offices provide an easily reachable network for the public to submit their application form and participate in this fun event. We encourage all to reap the benefits of engaging in physical activity and whilst doing so help those in difficulty.”
Mgr. Farrugia concluded the press conference by thanking Bank of Valletta for sponsoring this event, and also Maltapost for its support towards organising it. He urged the general public to participate and show its characteristic generosity.
The Caritas Trail is a fund-raising event during which people can participate through a 40-minute walk, a 30-minute jog or a 60-minute cycle. The walk starts from Mdina Road Zebbug, near St Dorothy’s School, while the jog and cycle routes commence at ST. Mary Magdalene’s Chapel on Dingle Cliffs. All three events end at about 11.00 a.m at San Blas, where Caritas has one of its major drug rehabilitation centres.
Participants are asked to fill in a form, available from all Bank of Valletta branches, MaltaPost Post Offices or online from the Caritas website (www.caritasmalta.org) , and to make a donation of €10at any BOV Branch, any MaltaPost Post Office or pay through Bank of Valletta’s Internet Banking (BOV 24X7 Services) portal. Participants who use BOV 24X7 Services Internet Banking are requested to print the receipt and attach it to the application form. Forms and receipts are to be presented at the commencement of the events on the 29th September.
Caritas Trail is an event in a series being organised by Caritas Malta in the week between the 27th September and 6th October 2013. Other events will be announced over the coming weeks.
