€4,300 raised during Classic Car Show in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza

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A classic car show organised by the Old Motors Club raised €4,300 in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza on Thursday, a public holiday on the feast of St.Joseph. The event that took place at the Home’s Siġġiewi parking lot was very well attended.

Around 140 vintage cars, that cover more than a century of history, were on display.

Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza  thanked the organisers, participants and the general public for their generosity and for the initiative.

European Parliament member, Dr Peter Agius attended the event and met the vintage car enthusiats whilst making a donation.

The club confirmed once again its commitment to continue its support of Id-Dar tal-Providenza as well as other charitable initiatives whilst promoting the rich motor cars heritage in Malta.

GO Cares donates €5,000 to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The GO Cares Employee Fund has donated €5,000 to Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi. The Go Cares donation  was made possible through funds collected throughout the year by the GO Cares Committee.

GO employees voluntarily contribute a monthly amount from their salaries, and additional fundraising events are organised during the year.

These combined efforts enable GO Cares to support charitable organizations like Id-Dar tal-Providenza as well as other entities that benefit from this fund.

On behalf of the residents and administration of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home, thanked the representatives of the GO Cares Committee that made the presentation and the employees of GO plc for their altruistic solidarity.

€2,125 raised during the concert by the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The amount of €2,125 was collected during the Vocal and Instrumental Concert by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta that took place on Friday, 28th November 2025 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul in Mdina on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The presentation was made by the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Clinton J. O’Neill to the Director of the Home, Mgr Martin Micallef who thanked the Brigadier for his continued encouragement and support of the now annual concert by the Armed Forces Band to coincide with the International Day of  Persons with Disability.

For the occasion of the Home’s 60th anniversary two special musical compositions were premiered: 60 Sena ta’ Storja: Id-Dar tal-Providenza by Mro. Nicholas Vella and Tama by Mro. Antoine Mercieca. The concert also included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Frank Erickson, Lowell Mason, Morten Lauridsen, Peter A. Yon, Stephen Adams, Carl Coberg and another Maltese composer Tano Monseigneur.

Dr Alex Borg, Leader of the Opposition and the Nationalist Party pays visit to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The Leader of the Opposition and the Nationalist Party, Dr Alex Borg, accompanied by his partner Sarah Bajada, visited Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi. He was welcomed by the Director of the Home, Mgr Martin Micallef together with members of the administration and residents. He attended mass at the Home’s chapel for which also present where relatives of the ex-Prime Minister and ex-President of Malta, Eddie Fenech Adami who until his health permitted used to celebrate his birthday at Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Dr Borg then had the opportunity to meet residents individually.

He also visited Dun Mikiel’s museum where the Home’s Director highlighted the history of Dun Mikiel’s life and the founding of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. He also signed the visitor’s book. He proceeded to pay tribute to Dun Mikiel where he is buried in the courtyard of Villa Papa Giovanni.

Dr Borg also visited the gym where he met the president of the Siġġiewi Rowing Club, Prof. Joseph Grima and other members of the club as well as employees of the Home.

Festa ta’ Ġenerożità raises €1,556,453 for Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Notwithstanding the cold temperatures and isolated showers in certain places of the island, 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 €1,556,543 during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità.

At the end of the 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 €49,229.

The Hon. Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and Childrens’ 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 €41,560.

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 assisted by Mgr Martin Micallef, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia and Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza and the Siġġiewi Parish Archpriest Fr Josef Mifsud. Two youngsters, Alexia Vella and Max Prasel Caruana, delivered the usual traditional Christmas homily focused on the precious announcement of the birth of Christ.

In his homily, Archbishop Scicluna appealed that on this first day of the new year we should be a blessing towards each other and that we look over each other with compassion and love which are so lacking in our world today.

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.

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

Mgr Scicluna appealed that on this first day of the new year we will be a blessing towards each other and that we look over each other with compassion and love  that the world is deprived of right now.

At the beginning of the religious celebration two youngsters, Alexia Vella and Max Prasel Caruana delivered the usual traditional Christmas homily focused on the precious announcement of the birth of Christ.

Arts Exhibition inaugurated at the Parliament of Malta in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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In his opening address, Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, referred to what he said was a huge honour for the Home during the 60th anniversary of its founding. On Republic Day, the Maltese Government State on Republic Day recognised the work done by the Home by conferring on it the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika. He stated that while receiving this National award from the President of Malta he got quite emotional and brought to mind many people starting with the founder of the Home, Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, his successor Mgr Lawrence Gatt, the Sisters of Charity, past and present administrators, so many employees and volunteers and last but not least the people of Malta and Gozo who have generously sustained the Home for sixty whole years.

He thanked the Speaker of the House of Representativesm Dr  Anġlu Farrugia, who for the last nine years offered the Parliament building for the use of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Over these years from the exhibitions and auctions that followed, the Home received a total of three humdred and fifty thousand, four hundred and two euro. Last year the revenue from the auction of reached a record sum of forty-two thousand euro. This year a 106 works of art donated by Maltese and foreign artist will be exhibited. Once again there is an exhibit by Tonio Mercieca, a mouth painter and one of the residents at the Home’s community home in Qawra. artist li jpenġi b’ħalqu u li jgħix fid-dar tal-Qawra, waħda mid-djar fil-komunità. Another two persons with disability are taking part in this year’s exhibition.

In his speech inaugurating the exhibition, the Speaker Dr Anġlu Farrugia said that this is not another date in the calendar but it is a pledge that will touch our hearts as a people.

He stated that this initiative has become a tradition that reflects the continued support of Parliament towards the common good and the support for persons who need it. He thanked the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza as well as the employees and volunteers who work with such dedication to ensure that each person is given care and dignity. He also thanked Mgr Martin Micallef for his leadership and commitment.

Dr Farrugia insisted that Parliament will continue to support initiatives of solidarity and appealed for this generosity to keep forthcoming in the future.

The auction of these works of art will be held online on new year’s day during the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità telethon and will be in the hands of Belgravia Auctions. The exhibits will then be in the hall at id-Dar tal-Providenza when the auction will be taking place.

Mgr Micallef said that thanks to the full support of Maltese society, id-Dar tal-Providenza will remain committed in improving the quality of life  of the residents and the services it offers as well as seeing that residents will enjoy inclusion and will participate even further in the life of our communities.

He ended by encouraging the people of Malta and Gozo to continue with its support on January 1st during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità which will again be taking place in the Home’s Siġġiewi car park as well as with the auction.

Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika awarded to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Message from Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza,

on the occasion of the National Honour awarded to the Home

On the Republic Day of Malta, Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza is deeply moved to be awarded a National Honour. With profound gratitude, we receive this recognition on behalf of the true heart of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza: the persons with disability who have found a home, a family, and a future within Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza in Siġġiewi and community‑based homes.

We receive this honour on behalf of our founder, Mgr Michael Azzopardi, whose vision sparked a movement of love and his successor Mgr Lawrence Gatt who served as Director for 22 years with tireless dedication. We receive it on behalf of the Maltese people, whose unwavering generosity has sustained this venture for sixty years, and on behalf of past and presents administrators, every employee and volunteer who is serving with dedication.

In a very special way, we accept this honour on behalf of the Sisters of Charity who served the home for 55 years. Their silent, steadfast presence has sustained Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza till 2020, providing not just care, but the spiritual backbone of our mission.

As we mark six decades of history, we are also looking firmly at the future. As we navigate new challenges, we are reminded that true inclusion is not simply about support or care ‑ it is about enabling every person to live a life of dignity, purpose, and belonging.

We believe that all disabled persons are citizens first, with full rights and responsibilities. Our role moving forward is not to define their lives for them, but to open the doors to the lives they choose ‑ lives defined by freedom, connection, and equal opportunities.

We dedicate this honour to everyone who stands with us as we embrace this transformation. Citizenship is not something given; it is something realised together. Thank you to all who are walking this journey with us.

Festa ta’ Ġenerożità in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza on January 1st 2026

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Once again, the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità in aid of id‑Dar tal‑Providenza will be taking place on January 1st under the big tent at the Home’s parking lot in Siġġiewi. This was announced by the Director of the Home, Mgr Martin Micallef, during a media briefing on Wednesday 10th December 2025.

As in previous editions, the  Festa ta’ Ġenerożità  will be broadcast on the main television stations between 10.00am and midnight. At 9:30am, TVM2 will broadcast live a new year’s day mass led by H.G. the Archbishop Mgr Charles J. Scicluna from the Home’s chapel.

Mgr Micallef said that 2025 was a special year for the Home as it celebrated its 60th year from its founding. This event was commemorated through the investment of two flats in Siġġiewi which will each be hosting three residents who are currently living at id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi. The Home is also refurbishing an apartment in Hamrun in which a person with disability will be residing with the necessary support. This is part of the Home’s strategy for the years to come that will be focusing on deinstitutionalising its operational core in the light of the principles of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by offering more residential services in the community as well as other support alternatives according to the person’s wishes.

Apart from this, during this year a refurbishing project of a flat in Villa Papa Giovanni in Siġġiewi that offers a dignified environment for those living in it has been completed. The Home continued to invest in human resources by employing professionals, providing ongoing training for its employees, purchasing new equipment, regular maintenance, and other projects to continue improving its services.

Fr Martin said that during all these years the Home could only offer these residential services thanks to the continuous support of the people of Malta and Gozo. The Festa ta’ Ġenerożità of January 1st, is an annual appointment for it to turn to the Maltese and Gozitans for their financial support to enable it to continue with its work. In actual fact, the Home needs around 7 million euros annually to cover its operational costs.

Ms Nadine Camilleri Cassano, the Administrator of id-Dar tal-Providenza, spoke about the various fundraising activities taking place during December going into the new year and how the public can help including the auction of works of art which will be first exhibited in the Parliament building between the 15th and 26th December and then again at the Siġġiewi Home’s hall on January 1st when they will be auctioned off online.

She explained how donations to the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità marathon may be made with immediate effect up to new year’s day by any of the following methods. Actually, these donations will be included in the final tally that will be announced at the end of the marathon on January 1st 2026.

€15         51702013

€25         51802014

€50         51902085

€100      51302022

SMS €7   50618922

One can easily donate by Paypal or through the Home’s accounts with the main banks: APS Bank, BOV, HSBC, Lombard Bank and BNF Bank.

Donations via BOV Mobile or myAPS Payment to Mobile (P2M) may be made on  7932 4834.

Apart from all that, donations may also be made by a cheque of more than €20 payable to Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza, Triq Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi  SGW2822. Please note that as per directive of the Central Bank of Malta cheques of €20 and less will not be cashed by Maltese banks.

Other donations may be made at the office that id-Dar tal-Providenza has is St. Paul Street in Valletta (just behind the old market) between Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am to noon,  at the Paola Catholic Bookshop, as well as at the main Rabat Malta square between Sunday 14th December and Thursday 1st January 2026.

The Grupp Flimkien Naslu is awarded this year’s Mons Mikiel Azzopardi Prize.

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The Grupp Flimkien Naslu is this year’s winner of the Mons Mikiel Azzopardi Award. This was announced by Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, during a vocal and instrumental concert by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta on Friday 28th November 2025. H.E. the President of Malta, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop, Mgr Joseph Galea-Curmi, presented the award to Mrs Lourdes Camilleri Farrugia, Chairperson of the Grupp Flimkien Naslu.

In Europe, 2003 was dedicated to persons with disability. In Malta the slogan used was Flimkien Naslu. (Together We Succeed). This was kept alive by the name of the Grupp Flimkien Naslu, a registered voluntary organisation which is led by persons with intellectual disability with the support of others. The main objective of the group is to help persons with disability, be their voice, getting them to help each other and become integrated into society whilst enjoying the opportunity to meet with each other.

The Group is made up of adults with different age groups. Whilst members have the opportunity to socialise with friends, colleagues and members of their own families, they are also very active in all activities of the Grupp Flimkien Naslu because it also gives them the opportunity to share experiences.

In a short address for the occasion, Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, appealed for our society to believe in a truly concrete way that every person with disability is first and foremost endowed with fundamental human rights and a citizen with total rights and responsibilities and it is our role to open up the doors for a life they themselves wish to live and not one that we define for them. Citizenship is not something that is given but something that we all make happen together.

He added that Id-Dar tal-Providenza, that is celebrating its 60th birthday,  remains committed that together with persons with disability, their families, stakeholders in this sector as well as our communities, will continue to strive to see that persons with disability will have the opportunity by right to live a life of their own choice; to have the opportunity to be fully part of the community, build relationships, contribute with their talents, capabilities and creativity, and enjoy equal opportunities with access for resources, places, homes and roles that allow for full participation in society and no to inferior accommodations or marginalised environments.

Mgr Micallef concluded by saying that the founder of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi and other pioneers made much more than set up an institution. They called for a cultural rebirth, shattered prejudices and established disability within a structure based on rights not pity. Today, sixty years later, it is up to us all to see that we continue building on this legacy.

In her closing address, the President Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono acknowledged the work carried out in this sector, and described the anniversary that Id-Dar tal-Providenza is commemorating as 60 years of service, love and dedication by all its workers and volunteers in aid of persons with disability in Malta.

The concert was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Imdina by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta under the baton of its Director of Music, Major Jonathan Borg with Amanda Ciappara Mizzi and Charles Saliba presenting. In this event, Id-Dar tal-Providenza commemorated the 60th anniversary of its founding by Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi as well as the International Day for Persons with Disability celebrated every year on 3rd December.

The concert included two compositions that were written specifically for the 60th anniversary of the Id-Dar tal-Providenza by Maestros Nicholas Vella and Antoine Mercieca and premiered during the evening. Other vocal and instrumental pieces were works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Frank Erickson, Lowell Mason, Morten Lauridsen, Pietro A. Yon, Stephen Adams, Carl Boberg and another Maltese composer, Tano Monseigneur.

The Mons Mikiel Azzopardi award, that was given out for the first time in 1995, is awarded every year in recognition of contributions made by persons in the disability sector in Malta and Gozo as well as to persons and organisations that help out Id-Dar tal-Providenza in its mission.