L-Istrina, Malta’s biggest annual charity fundraiser, got under way at noon as the country marked the 30th edition of the Boxing Day telethon in aid of the Community Chest Fund.
The 12-hour live broadcast ran until midnight from the Kirkop Sports Complex and was transmitted simultaneously on a number of major television stations, including TVM, NET, ONE, F Living, Xejk TV and UTV Malta. First held in 1995, L-Istrina has become a firmly established Boxing Day tradition for Maltese families.
This year’s edition was officially inaugurated by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, together with Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Alex Borg and Archbishop Charles Scicluna. The programme once again featured live music, entertainment segments and appearances by public figures.
Hoping to exceed €5.2 million
Proceeds from L-Istrina were used to support patients and families facing serious and often life-threatening medical conditions, including cancer, as well as to help cover the cost of treatment abroad when this was not available locally. Last year’s telethon raised €5.2 million, while the record total of €7 million was collected in 2018.
In the build-up to the event, organisers highlighted several of the cases assisted by the Community Chest Fund. Among them were 13-year-old Thiago, who regularly travelled to the United Kingdom for treatment for a rare eye condition, and 16-year-old Yasmeen, who spent almost a year in the UK recovering from surgery for a brain tumour before returning to Malta to continue her studies at MCAST.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, band clubs from across Malta took part throughout the day. Hairdressers were also present at the Kirkop Sports Complex, offering haircuts and collecting donated hair to create wigs for patients who had lost their hair as a result of medical treatment.
Donations were collected throughout the broadcast as the nation once again came together in a spirit of solidarity and generosity.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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