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

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.