Christmas Initiative – 23rd December 2021
An initiative was held for Christmas 2021 as our yearly patients Christmas party could not be held due to Covid.
Christmas presents were purchased and personally delivered by VOTO members to 28 children. This was generously sponsored by the Deloitte Foundation, Malta.
Spiritual Evenings – 9th & 16th December 2021
Leading up to Christmas we held a Spiritual Evening for members celebrated by Fr. Brendan on the 9th December. This was held over Zoom.
A Christmas Mass was held for our patients in Lapsi Church, St Julian’s on the 16th December. Fr. Brendan also celebrated this mass for us. Both our members and patients could join in as it was held live in our private Facebook group.
Members Christmas Drinks – December 2021
The VOTO Christmas drinks party was once again held at Drift Meze/Cafe in Ta L-Ibragg on the 14th December. Enjoying a turnout of 40 members and aspirants. A delicious selection of mezes and a selection of mains were brought to all the set tables. Overall an event enjoyed by all. It was a good opportunity for our members to meet and celebrate together after such a long time as many of our events were cancelled due to Covid.
Ladies’ Night – 10th November 2021
After Covid hit all events were unfortunately cancelled for 2020 and the most part of 2021 however we finally held our first event since. The ladies’ night was held at Vecchia Napoli in Salina, where we were able to host 11 ladies and had 15 volunteers giving a helping hand. The owners of the restaurant very kindly offered us a set menu at a special rate for all our patients, who all enjoyed this relaxed evening.
Spiritual Events – March & May 2021
Due to Covid restrictions many of our Spiritual evenings were moved online to accommodate members and patients also to keep in touch with them.
This years Lenten Spiritual talk was held online on the 26th March and our members connected via zoom. It was celebrated by Fr. Jean Gove.
Fr. Brendan Gatt kindly offered to say the Rosary for members and patients on the 19th May. This was held for both our members and patients.
Christmas Initiatives – 6th December 2020
VOTO cadets kindly volunteered to help out at Christmas time in the midst of Covid. They created and prepared Christmas cards including a small token for our patients, which was sent in time for Christmas day.
A request for food collection was sent out during December 2020 to ask our members to help with food donations. With the great response and generous donations received, VOTO cadets kindly organised all the food, it was then passed onto the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation and our cadets also helped unload all the food at their premises. The food was then distributed to those in need.
Ongoing Foodbank Service – June 2020
As the pandemic hit our shores in 2020 the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation was inundated with requests for help. In turn they turned to us for assistance and since June 2020 a group of 16 VOTO volunteers have regularly been helping with the distribution of the food packs at the Valletta branch. Serving Maltese and foreign families twice a week. This is an ongoing initiative which will keep on running until our assistance is required.
Malta Marathon 2020 – 1st March 2020
A team of 8 VOTO Members participated in the 21KM GIG Malta Walkathon together with one of our special friends. This was done to raise funds and awareness about VOTO and its activities.
Christmas Extra Activities – 7th & 21st December 2019
This year VOTO undertook two extra Christmas activities. Following a generous donation of Mugs to VOTO, these were filled with Mince Pies and Chocolates (also kindly donated), wrapped and donated to The Elderly at Boffa Hospital. VOTO also, in conjunction with the Feed a Family at Christmas initiative, collected non-perishable food stuffs to be donated to those in need. With our members, Family and friends generous help we were able to collect a substantial amount of food for this worthy cause.
Patients Christmas Party – 11th December 2019
This year the VOTO Council hosted 63 adults and 18 children to a memorable Christmas party and Pasta Night which was held at the Marsa Sports Club. 22 volunteers helped out this year, Father Christmas made a special appearance and distributed small gifts to the Children and Boxes of Chocolates for the families. It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all.
