Candidate’s Heartfelt Gesture: Campaign Funds for Public Defibrillator, Not Flyers

Imagine this: Instead of the usual campaign flyers littering Malta’s streets, you find a shiny new public defibrillator outside your local bakery. This is exactly what happened in Birkirkara when independent candidate, Mark Attard, decided to spend his campaign funds differently.

From Flyers to Life-Savers

Mark Attard, a local businessman and first-time candidate, was faced with a dilemma. He had a budget for campaign materials, but he wanted to make a real difference in his community. “I thought, what’s the point of spending money on something that’s just going to be thrown away?” he said, sitting at Café Jubilee, a popular Birkirkara hangout.

That’s when he had an idea. “What if I used the money to buy something that could save lives?” he thought. And so, instead of flyers, he bought a public defibrillator and installed it outside the bustling Il-Ħanut bakery on Republic Street.

Community Response: Heartwarming and Practical

The response from the Birkirkara community has been overwhelmingly positive. “People come up to me every day, thanking me for the defibrillator,” Mark said, smiling. “It’s not just about votes anymore. It’s about making a difference now.”

Dr. Joseph Xuereb, a local GP, praised the initiative. “We’ve had cases where quick access to a defibrillator could have made a difference,” he said. “This is a practical, life-saving gesture that shows Mark understands our community’s needs.”

Inspiring Others to Think Differently

Mark’s unique campaign has sparked conversations among other candidates. “I’ve had several reach out to me, asking how they can do something similar,” he revealed. “It’s not about the money. It’s about using what you have to make a real impact.”

Mark’s story is a testament to how political campaigns can go beyond promises and flyers. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and making a difference right now. As Mark puts it, “Politics is about people. And people matter most when they’re alive.”