HSBC Malta Foundation supports NGOs
HSBC Malta Foundation is donating €30,000 to two NGOs currently aiding the most vulnerable in society and whose lives have been further complicated by the COVID-19 emergency
by Paul Cocks
HSBC Malta Foundation is donating €30,000 to two NGOs currently aiding the most vulnerable in society and whose lives have been further complicated by the COVID-19 emergency. €15,000 is being donated to the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation, which has seen a fifty per cent increase in the number of families seeking assistance.
A further €15,000 is being donated to Caritas Malta, which through its Diaconia and social work units also provides food and social support to vulnerable families.
The Foodbank Lifeline Foundation, which in normal circumstances feeds over 130 families and individuals every week, equivalent to over 15,950 family members per year, is now supporting around 300 families. These additional numbers include previously registered clients, who have reached out to Foodbank Lifeline Foundation requesting help again.
In addition to this increased demand for its services, Foodbank Lifeline Foundation has also had to change the way that it operates to safeguard the health and safety of both its volunteers and clients. As a result, it has consolidated operations into a single centre and following an agreement reached with a food delivery service, Foodbank continues to deliver food to its clients while respecting social distancing.
Similarly, Caritas Malta has had to adapt the way in which it works. This has been done to ensure that there is no physical contact as its volunteers, working hand-in-hand with Caritas staff, NGOs and Parish Diaconia teams, continue to distribute warm meals, which are being provided by a private foundation to those most in need.
Simon Vaughan Johnson, HSBC Malta CEO Designate, said: “The HSBC Malta Foundation recognises that the number of people in need is on the rise as a result of the current situation and we hope that these donations will help make a difference to the more vulnerable members of our community. We are delighted to support the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation and Caritas Malta and the good work that their volunteers do for our community. HSBC is also offering the use of two of its electric vehicles for the distribution of meals, as part of our contribution to increasing the number of meals delivered each day to 700.”
Anthony Gatt, Director at Caritas Malta, said, “The HSBC Malta Foundation has made a significant contribution to our COVID-19 emergency response as a group of 40 volunteers, supported by the Caritas Malta Diaconia Unit, continue to deliver hundreds of meals to the most vulnerable persons. HSBC’s donation will also help us sustain persons who reach us through our four phone lines, operated by social workers and counsellors, which we have opened to receive help calls.”
Jane Mizzi, Board member and volunteer at the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation, said, “We are grateful for the support provided by the HSBC Malta Foundation at this difficult time for many vulnerable families. It is heartening to see that companies, like HSBC, understand the problems people are facing and are willing to make a real contribution to supporting those who need our solidarity most.”
HSBC Malta has also set-up the HSBC Family Support Group to provide essentials to employees, in case they are in quarantine and need medicines or groceries that they are not in a position to purchase themselves.
