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

108 Works of art to be auctioned off during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità

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In support of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, 108 stunning works of art, generously donated by local and foreign artists, will be auctioned off online on www.belgraviaauctions.com during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità on New Year’s Day, January 1st.

For those who wish to view the works of art in person, the pieces will be exhibited on the same day at the hall of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi.

More than €1,700 raised for Id-Dar tal-Providenza from the stage production of “Marċellino Ħobż u Nbid”

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€1,793.95 were raised from two stage productions of “Marċellino Ħobż u Nbid” in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. This production was indeed a special one, not only because it had the best of local talent available but also because it was a professional act with the full support of the residents of the Home that showed their real ability.

David Muscat, who was responsible for the production, expressed his sincere gratitude to the volunteers who offered their time and energy towards this stage production.

David had special words of thanks to the companies that offered the costumes, props and scenery that went into the production as well as the Home’s Ability Promoters that worked as an exceptional team under the guidance of Gordon Scicluna and Miguel Grech.

He also showed his appreciation for the work done by the main actors, Sandro Vella, Stephen Cutajar and particulary Lydon Agius who acted the part of Marċellino, as well make-up artist Laura Farrugia Camilleri who did a great job on the characters.

David finally had a word of thanks to the generous public with whose donations €1,793.95 were raised during both performances. This sum will help id-Dar tal-Providenza with its work and the services it offers.

Photo: Fr Martin Micallef

Art exhibition in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza at the Parliament of Malta

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In his address of welcome, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, announced that since Parliament started hosting this art exhibition eight years ago, the auctions that followed raised €226,542 for the Siġġiewi Home.

He thanked the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Dr Anġlu Farrugia who offered the Parliament building for the Home to put up another exhibition that this year was presenting to the public 108 works of art by well known artists but also others who were exhibiting their work for the first time like Tonio Mercieca, who only paints with his mouth and who is also a resident in one  of the community homes for persons with disability. This is Tonio’s first go at exhibiting his works of art.

In his speech at the exhibition’s inauguration, the Speaker praised the priceless work continuously done by the Siġġiewi Home in our society and said that the Home is not only a shelter for persons with disability but is also a symbol of the love and solidarity of our people.

The Speaker said that this artistic exhibition is a shining example of the genuine spirit of unity and generosity as the contributions by artists and the public’s support uplift the Home’s mission. Whilst thanking Fr Martin for his continuous commitment, the Speaker expressed his confidence that this initiative will be a huge success and will show once again the strength of the solidarity of the Maltese and Gozitan public.

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.

 

Fr Martin 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 Maltese and Gozitan people 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.

 

The Eden Leisure Foundation donates two defibrillators to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The Eden Leisure Foundation (ELF) donated two defibrillators to Id-Dar tal-Providenza together with two cheques of €3,000 each from the Eden Leisure Group and the Eden Hospitality Limited. The ELF had asked the Home’s administration in what ways it can help and the answer was defibrillators.

Defibrillators are devices that apply an electric charge or current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. If the heart rhythm stops due to cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac arrest (SDA), a defibrillator may help it start beating again. The devices will be installed in strategic places in  community homes.

Ms. Nadine Camilleri Cassano, administrator of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, thanked the Eden Leisure Foundation for the defibrillators and the donation of €6,000 as well as the Eden Leisure Group for its continuous support.

National Awards for Volunteer of the Year 2024

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Tony Sammut, volunteer at Id-Dar tal-Providenza and various other organisations, won the Premju Nazzjonali Volontier tas-Sena 2024. He said he wanted to dedicate this award to his mother, father and Id-Dar tal-Providenza. The prize was given during the ceremony for the various awards as part of the Premju Nazzjonali Volontier tas-Sena 2024 organised by the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector.

Mgr. Victor Grech was given the Special National Award for Voluntary work in 2024. Anthony Gatt, Director of Caritas Malta, received this award on behalf of Mgr. Grech who was indisposed.

In a short recorded message, Mgr Grech said: “I regret not being able to be physically with you. I thank the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector for this special award. The voluntary sector was and will always be dear to my heart because I always believed in it. It was thanks to a small group of volunteers that the services within Caritas started in aid of persons in need. I encourage you to keep fostering and working in this sector so that it is recognised and appreciated. I invite all those who can commit themselves to an organisation or to help some vulnerable person to do so. Through volunteering you receive more than what you give.”

Other awards given were:

  • Dylan Farrugia volunteer with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Bee who was awarded with the Premju Volontier Żagħżugħ/a for 2024;
  • Victoria Fenech volunteer within The Malta Rabbit Club was given the Premju Victor Calvagna għat-Tifel/Tifla Volontier for 2024;
  • The Rise Foundation was awarded with the Special National Prize for the Special Project in the Voluntary Sector for 2024;
  • The Equal Partners Foundation was awarded the prize for the Voluntary Organisation of the Year 2024.