One of the largest fund-raisers' Malta is set to see this summer is taking place on the 5th July at the Splash and Fun Park. It is an event littered with artists....
Post-Mortem Press Release from Puttinu Cares Childrens’ Cancer Support Group 60 hourFootball Marathon 2008
The fourth Puttinu 60 hour football marathon was held between Friday the 25th and Sunday
the 27th of April 2008 at the Marsa Sports Complex in collaboration with the KMS. First of all we would like to thank all the families, sponsors and volunteers, the media who supported us and all those who helped in any way to make this 4th Football Marathon such a huge success. The sum so far has reached a total of €200,000 (LM85,860) and a garage was also donated by a generous couple.
Apart from the football matches which involved about 500 teams, there was animation throughout the day, as well as evening entertainment- singing and dancing- with the participation of several well-known personalities. Moreover Fabrizio and Claudia Faniello launched a new song for Puttinu cancer support group - lyrics written by Godwin Sant and music composed by Ray Agius.
His grace Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P, the Prime Minister Dr. Laurence Gonzi and the acting-leader of the opposition Dr. Charles Mangion all attended this event and were very glad to meet our families. Various parliamentarians also attended the activities and actively participated in the football matches.
The live transmission on all local TV channels on Saturday 25th helped to draw the crowds and aided in this fundraising event. The success of this marathon was also due to the hard work of the staff at Rainbow and many other volunteers. However it would not have been possible without the generosity of many sponsors who helped us in various ways as well as the invaluable coverage and support that was given by individual journalists and presenters, and newspapers, radio and TV stations
Various organisations, individuals and volunteers have organised several fundraising events for Puttinu Cares. But without any doubt what we found most impressive was that a part of this sum was donated by children taking part in the football matches. It was really great to see these children doing their part to raise money to help other children like themselves.
Our latest project is the acquisition of 3 apartments within walking distance of Royal Marsden Hospital in the UK. We have started on the way to paying off these apartments and now we need €931,749 (LM400,000) instead of the €1164,686 (LM500,000) that we previously needed.
Our first appeal is to the Good Causes Fund. We are waiting for the new committee to be selected and we hope that they will be ready to understand the need and importance of having these apartments.
Secondly we hope that the committee of the coming Istrina will seriously consider our plea for financial help. It should be remembered that last year out of the €1164,686 (LM500,000) collected, only €9,317 (LM4,000) approximately were promised to our support group. One might also say that a lot of the clips used every year for Istrina feature our children.
It is also important for the public to realise that the activity was organised by the Puttinu Cares Childrens’ Cancer Support Group which is an independent group and is not part of the HSBC Cares For Children Fund. HSBC support us with a grant of € 4658.75 (LM2,000) a year and allow us to use the name of the character created by Dr. Philip Farrugia Randon, Puttinu.
Finally we wish that these apartments are considered to be the property of all Maltese citizens to help those families whose children are unfortunately suffering from cancer and need to go abroad for part or all of their treatment. At least they will not need to worry about where they will be staying and can focus better on the needs of their sick child.
