Labour’s Telethon Breaks Records, Raising €1.8M for Charity

Malta’s Labour Party has set a new benchmark in philanthropy, raising a staggering €1.8 million in its annual telethon. The event, held at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, saw an outpouring of generosity from Maltese citizens and businesses, surpassing last year’s record by a significant margin.

How the Telethon Unfolded

The telethon, now in its 14th year, kicked off at 6 pm on Saturday, with Labour leader and Prime Minister Robert Abela leading the charge. The event was broadcast live on TVM and streamed online, allowing Maltese from all corners of the globe to tune in and contribute. Donations poured in via SMS, phone calls, and an online platform, with the total climbing steadily throughout the night.

Highlights of the telethon included heartwarming stories from beneficiaries of last year’s donations, live performances from local artists, and a special appearance by Pope Francis, who sent a video message of support. The telethon also featured a live auction, with unique items such as a painting by Maltese artist Vincent Apap and a week-long stay at a luxury villa in Gozo up for grabs.

Record-Breaking Generosity

The €1.8 million raised will be distributed among various local charities and NGOs, supporting causes ranging from healthcare and education to social welfare and environmental conservation. The telethon has become a staple in Malta’s charitable calendar, with this year’s event marking the highest amount raised to date.

Commenting on the success of the telethon, Prime Minister Abela expressed his gratitude to the Maltese public: “Tonight, we have once again shown that when we come together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. This is a testament to the kindness and generosity of the Maltese people.”

: Planning for 2023

While the 2022 telethon has come to a close, plans are already underway for next year’s event. The Labour Party has announced that the 2023 telethon will take place on Saturday, 18 November, with preparations set to begin in the coming months. The party has also hinted at new initiatives to further boost donations and engagement.

As Malta continues to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the need for charitable support remains acute. The success of this year’s telethon serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of the Maltese people.

In the words of Labour Party Secretary General and Deputy Prime Minister, Chris Fearne, “The telethon is more than just a fundraising event. It’s a celebration of who we are as a nation – compassionate, resilient, and united. We look forward to building on this success in 2023.”