Order of Malta

The Maltese Cross Corps, a peripheral organisation of the Maltese Association was founded in 1990 with the help of Malteser Hilfsdienst of Koln and later with the Paderborn section. Its aim was to start a service that was not already being offered by other organisations. Thus, MCC opted for the provision of a Meals on Wheels service to the elderly and disabled.

The service was started on 13 June 1991 with just one van and managed on a part-time basis. MCC provided the service, charging the beneficiaries for the food and all overheads were paid for by the government. Everyone over the age of 60 or disabled was eligible to apply for the service.

Initially the meals were prepared by a restaurant in Bugibba, eventually being transferred to the kitchen at San Vincenz Residence for the elderly, as the demands for the service grew considerably. Meals were being delivered once daily every day of the week, circa 300 meals to beneficiaries in Malta.

Between 1991 and 2017 MCC had distributed approximately 1.7 million meals to the elderly and those in need.

In 2017 the government terminated the agreement with the MCC and the contract for the provision of meals was given to a private contractor.

For a period of time between 2017 and 2020, MCC was inactive in appearance, however, the Committee received various proposals and submissions to move into a new niche. On the idea of the Administrative Secretary, it was decided to transform the flat into a residence for needy persons such as refugees, particularly single mothers with children. The proposal was submitted to Malteser and was so greatly welcomed that the Paderborn division sent a two person delegation to see and assist MCC how to go about it.

Extensive refurbishments of the premises were carried out between January and August 2020 – the conversion to three units to host three families, each unit with a bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen was designed to give an exclusive and independent facility to each family, with separate hobs, cookers and refrigeration service and ample storage also for each. The common hall was transformed into a dining area and there is also a small play and relaxing area and sitting room.

Originally it was intended that volunteers from Malteser would come to carry out the works, but Covid-19 prevented this and a different approach was taken on board. All works were carried out by a private contractor to the highest standards. The MCC used the funds accumulated throughout its existence together with financial assistance from Malteser to finance this project.

The ‘Blessed Gerard Residence’, was officially opened by HG the Archbishop of Malta, MGR Charles Scicluna on the 23 September 2020 (during the week dedicated to migration and refugees) and is now hosting three families. (Details here….)

The MCC is also in the process to enter into a partnership with the Moviment Azzjoni Socjali with the aim to provide service of a social worker if needed to the residents.

The present members of the committee of MCC are made up as follows: –

Mr. Victor Tonna – President and Treasurer

Mr. Joe Rossi – Vice President

Mr. Saviour Farrugia – Administrative Secretary

Mr George Busuttil – Ass. to Treasurer

Dr. Kevin Dingli – Hospitalier of the Malta Association as its representative

Mr. Gaetano Attard

Mr. Andrew Spiteri

Mrs. Stephanie Galea – Liaison with Residents

Ms. Joan Micallef Doublesin

Mr. Emanuel (Emy) Farrugia – accountant

Mr. Joe Galea (Founder member) is still International representative to Malteser.

The Maltese Cross Corps is a registered Voluntary Organisation, Reg No.0155.

Current contact details are: – seavista4580@gmail.com       Tel.  +356 79424192

Members of the committee during the inauguration ceremony of Blessed Gerard Residence:

LU-20.11.2020