Friends of Providence House of NSW in Australia bid farewell to Mr Jim Borg, its founder and coordinator

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The Friends of Providence House NSW (FOPH), the official representatives in Australia of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Malta, bid farewell to Mr Jim Borg, its founder and coordinator during Il-Festa ta’ Ġenerożità held this weekend at the La Vallette Centre in Blacktown NSW. The event began with the Maltese and Australian anthems sung by Ms Katelyn Vella, an Australian girl of Maltese descent. Those present in a packed hall were welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies of the evening and Treasurer of the Association, Ms Miriam Friggieri. They were invited to be generous in their donations to Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza.

Mr Borg welcomed the Consul General of Malta in NSW, Ms Anneliese Sammut and thanked the main sponsors of the evening: the La Valette Social Centre, Breakaway Travel of Blacktown, Messrs Sistu and Maryanne Zammit and all the other sponsors. He also thanked the committee, Secretary Rita O’Dwyer and Treasurer Miriam Friggieri, as well as former secretary and co-founder, Marisa Previtera for their work. Mr Borg then announced with sadness that unfortunately, this event would be his last, after 60 years of work in the Maltese Community and coordinator of FOPH for the last 14 years. He thanked everyone who attended, the generous sponsors as well as the performers who year after year gave their voluntary participation in this Feast of Generosity. He appealed for another person to take his place as co-ordinator of this association, otherwise the Friends of Providence House NSW will have to cease operations.

The Consul General of Malta in NSW, thanked Jim Borg for the important work he has done over the past 60 years and stressed the importance of providing financial assistance to Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Malta. Ms Sammut also mentioned that Jim Borg will be awarded the honour of Gieħ is-Siġġiewi on the 8th of March.

In a video message, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Siġġiewi Home, thanked the committee especially Mr Jim Borg for the work done in Maltese-Australia community. He spoke on the significance and impact of the donations that are given so that Id-Dar tal-Providenza that hosts 115 residents can continue to provide the necessary assistance to those with disabilities in Malta.

Mr Borg also presented certificates of appreciation to various sponsors and trophies to Breakaway Travel Blacktown for their generosity over the years, as well as to performers who for the past 9 years gave their time for this annual fundraising event for Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The singers of the evening were Joe Apap and his three nephews, Charlie Muscat, James Cassar and Katelyn Vella joined by Natasha Tatarinoff who delighted and entertained those present with songs in Maltese and English. Mr. Ivan Cauchi took care of the sound and lighting for the evening.

Donations are sent in a cheque which is presented during the Volleyball Marathon which takes place every year in July at the Dar tal-Providenza parking lot in Siġġiewi.

€7,000 donation from Attard Bros. Group

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Mr Michael Attard CEO of Attard Bros Group, presented a donation of €7,000 to Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id-Dar tal-Providenza, during a visit to the Home in Siġġiewi.  This donation is part of the donations Mr Attard collected during a Run for Charity he organised together with his friends to support local charities.   This fundraising event was a success thanks to a good number of companies, employees, family, and friends who contributed to this very worthy cause.

Fr Martin thanked Mr Attard for this generous gesture which will go towards a refurbishment project of one of the flats at Villa Papa Giovanni in Siġġiewi, which will surely improve the quality of life for the residents

The President of Malta pays her first official visit to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The President of Malta, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, paid her first official visit to Id-Dar tal-Providenza and in a message she left in the Home’s guest book she said: “May the blessed welcoming and comfort that spreads through this work of love always bring out all that is good in every human person.” She exprerssed her joy in paying her first official visit to the Siġġiewi Home, that she described as a masterpeice coming from the hands of Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, a lasting monument of love that continued to flourish with the love and generosity of the Maltese people.

In an address of welcome, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id-Dar tal-Providenza, thanked the President of Malta for accepting the invitation to visit the Home. He talked about the services offered by the Home and thanked her for her support.

Fr Martin continued by saying that id-Dar tal-Providenza remains committed in offering residential services to persons with disability whilst also being a source of inspiration to the Maltese society of the values that distinguish us as a nation, the values of solidarity and respect to each and every other person.

The President met with various residents of the Home during a music session, at the therapeutic pool, the St. Isidore agriculture centre, the multisensorial rooms amongst others. She also visited the chapel and the museum dedicated to Mgr. Mikiel Azzopardi, the founder of id-Dar tal-Providenza.  In the Gym, she also met up with Prof. Joseph Grima, President  of the Siġġiewi Rowing Club, who explained that under an agreement with id-Dar tal-Providenza the gym is also being used by the Siġġiewi Rowing Club whereby various persons including persons with disability train there in the evenings.

During her visit, the President also found time to chat with various employees of the Home and she praised their commitment and dedication.

This year, id-Dar tal-Providenza is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding.  During all these years the Home offered residential services to around 275 persons with disability. Today the Home hosts 115 persons in the various homes it operates apart from the main complex in the village of Siġġiewi as well as in Qawra, Birkirkara and Żurrieq.

Photo: Archdiocese of Malta – Ian Noel Pace

 

Id-Dar tal-Providenza recognised for its commitment in the community through sport

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Id-Dar tal-Providenza, together with Caritas and Fr Hilary Tagliaferro OSA, were awarded for ‘Fostering Generosity and Community Through Sport’ because they offer different disciplines in sport that transmit positive vibes in a fast moving life.

For a number of years, Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza engaged u large number of youths so that in July of each year they take part in a volleyball marathon in aid of the residents of the Home. Through volleyball, participants in the marathon get to know and appreciate better the services offered by the Siġġiewi Home.

Fr Hilary Tagliaferro OSA, the brains and force behind the Malta Youth Football Association, was recognised for his ongoing commitment over the years talking to and encouraging youths to come forward and practice the game of football.

Caritas Malta was given the award for its commitment to use sport as a tool for rehabilitation from drug use as well as a preventive tool to encourage the general public to engage in sports activities particularly the Caritas Run for Life that will this year have its 3rd edition on March 2nd 2025.

Visit by the “Three Wise Men” on their way to Betlehem f’Għajnsielem

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On Saturday, the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi enjoyed a special visit from the “Three Wise Men” as they made their way to the Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem nativity village. The residents also posed for a photo with the Magi at the chapel.  They also visited the President of Malta at San Anton Palace, residents of Korradino Correctional Facility in Paola and St. George and St. Sebastian Parishes in Qormi.

Mr. Franco Ciangura, on behalf of the Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem organising committee, presented a memento to Fr. Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, while Għajnsielem Mayor Mr. Kevin Cauchi presented a donation.

The Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem nativity village, sprawling across 20,000 square meters, offers a unique opportunity to experience the greatest story ever told. This immersive experience seamlessly blends Maltese folklore and traditions with the cherished Maltese crib.

The Magi will arrive at the nativity crib in Għajnsielem Sunday

Festa ta’ Ġenerożità raises €1,540,278 for Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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For the people of Malta and Gozo the first day of the year was again a show of generosity towards Id-Dar tal-Providenza, an expression of solidarity by donating €1,540,278 during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità.

This marathon also ushered in a special year for the Home because it happens to be the 60th anniversary of its founding. During all these years the Home offered permanent residency to 270 persons with disability as well as many others who needed respite services. The Home always offered personalised services of quality to the residents, services that respected their rights and dignity. This was only possible with the continued support of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

At the end of the twelve‑hour televised marathon, Mgr. Martin Micallef, Director of the Home augered that the solidarity shown towards Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza on the first day of the new year will continue throughout the year with all those in our Maltese society who need support.

On again was the art auction – paintings, sculptures and ceramics – donated by various Maltese and foreign artists. Once again everything, including the bidding, was online and the sale of the works of art raised €37,158.

The Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights who represented the Prime Minister Dott. Robert Abela, donated €25,000 on behalf of the Maltese government from the Social Causes Fund.

As has happened every year, an appreciable number of parishes in Malta and Gozo organised special collections on new year’s eve and new year’s day that were then presented to Id-Dar tal-Providenza on behalf of the parish communities. Gozo parishes collected €38,044.

This year’s Festa ta’ Ġenerożità was broadcast from under the big tent purposely set up in the Home’s parking lot in Siġġiewi. It started off with a mass celebrated by H.G. The Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna in the Home’s chapel and went on till midnight.

2nd January 2025

 

 

This year’s Festa ta’ Ġenerożità is on

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The special day for the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza tied to the special first day of the new year has began with a mass in the Home’s chapel in Siġġiewi. H.G. the Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna concelebrated and was assisted by Mgr Martin Micallef, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia and Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza and the Siġġiewi parish archpriest Fr Josef Mifsud.

The Archbishop referred to the first reading from the Book of Numbers that says that the Lord blesses us and keeps us, makes his face shine on us and be gracious to us and turns his face towards us and gives us peace. These are three wonderful values that he wished to shower on the Maltese and Gozitans when embarking on a new year, and also at the start of the marathon of solidarity in aid of this network of homes where our brothers and sisters can live with as much autonomy as possible and be given all the care needed.

He quoted Pope Francis as saying said that people that go to places like Id-Dar tal-Providenza, that the Archbishop refers to as a holy place, where people meet with residents with disabilities is as if they are meeting Jesus Christ.

The Archbishop mentioned that the first day of the new year is dedicated to peace in the world. So many places are victims of war, violence and aggression and we would do well to pray to the Lord to bless us with the peace of our heart