Malta Walkathon Training – February 2023
A small group of those who signed up for the 2023 Malta Walkathon have been training on the weekends to prepare for the 21KM walk. Including a quick fix on the wheelchair 🙂
Patients Christmas Party – 15th December 2022
This year the VOTO Council hosted 67 patients and guardians to a memorable Christmas Party and Pasta Night which was held at the Marsa Sports Club. 24 volunteers came to help out and spend time with our patients. Father Christmas then made a special appearance and distributed gifts to the young patients and food hampers for the families. It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all.
These gifts were generously sponsored by the Deloitte Foundation, Malta.
Members Christmas Drinks & Spiritual Talk – 6th December 2022
The evening started off with a Spiritual Talk for our members that was celebrated by Fr. Brendan in the Ta L-Ibragg Chruch, 25 members and aspirants attended. Which was then followed by the VOTO Christmas dinner party which was once again held at Drift Meze/Cafe in Ta L-Ibragg on the 6th December. Enjoying a turnout of 40 members and aspirants. A delicious selection of mezes and a lovely buffet was laid out for all to enjoy. Overall an event that is a hit with those attending and a good opportunity for our members to meet and celebrate together to end the year.
Fund-Raising Autumn Lunch – 20th November 2022
Our yearly Autumn Lunch had to be put on hold due to Covid however we finally managed to hold our first one since 2019! A clear hit with our members as it was very well attended with 187 adults, 39 children and 21 volunteers helping throughout the day. The day began with holy mass celebrated by Fr. Savio, guests were then treated to a lavish lunch that consisted of a welcome drink including multiple appetisers, an entrée of pumpkin risotto, pasta pomodoro for the children, our traditional spit-roast pork, a selection of roast vegetables, homemade desserts and homemade petit fours to go with our afternoon coffee. The children were then occupied after their lunch with a puppet show. This event is organised by the great team involved in VOTO Council. The bulk of the food was prepared and served by our volunteers, which without their help we would not be able to hold this successful event. The afternoon wrapped up with a raffle consisting of 16 prizes that were all donated by various generous parties which helped contribute to the funds received. To all those that sponsored, supported and donated in anyway including all those that attended, thank you for helping us make this day a great success. Without you all we would not be able to fund-raise for our much loved special friends.
First Aid Course – 7th & 8th October 2022
The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector issued a call earlier this May for VO’s to organise and attend a first aid course within their organisation. It was limited to 12 different organisations and a maximum of 12 participants. VOTO was one of the lucky ones to be able to participate in this important course, which was a great refresher for all members that took part. It was a 2 part course that was done through the Malta Red Cross in Pembroke.
Patients Social Evening – 14th September 2022
For this years Social evening VOTO Council closed off the Summer months with a gathering at Il-Veduta Restaurant in Rabat. The event was very well attended with 45 guests and 21 volunteers turning up to catch up and chat to our guests. The owners of the restaurant very kindly offered us a set menu at a reduced rate for all our patients, which was well received by all.
Food Collection for Ukrainian Refugees – August 2022
An appeal for food collection was sent out during August 2022 to ask our members to help with non-perishable food donations. A great response was received with a generous amount of food donations given to us by friends, members of VOTO and MASMOM. All the food received was then passed onto the Hub at 45 Triq il-Lunzjata, Sliema that is currently set up to distribute to those in need.
International Summer Camp – Rome – August 2022
30th July – 6th August 2022
This year’s camp could finally take place as Covid disrupted the last 2 years of Malta Camp. It was held at the San Vincenzo M. Monastery in Viterbo, Rome. The Maltese team consisted of 9 Guests, 10 Volunteers including 2 of our very own council members and a Chaplain. Internationally around 450 people were involved, guests and helpers included. Whilst those volunteering to help and take care of guests at camp know that this week can be an out of comfort zone experience, they all know how extremely rewarding for both guests and helpers it is. As with previous years, this camp was a success with the Maltese delegation joining participants from well over 20 different countries.
Summer Camp BBQ & Fundraiser for ISC – 08th July 2022
Following the success of the previous years it was again decided to host this social evening for past Summer Camp attendees and new ones including their families and volunteers. It was held at the Cavalieri Art Hotel in St. Julian’s on the rooftop suite. The evening opened with a mass celebration by Fr. Claude Portelli, the camps’ Chaplain, followed by a BBQ prepared by VOTO’s volunteers. The evening was very well attended, with an attendance of 85 guests.
Bingo Night – 8th June 2022
A get-together was held with our patients just before the summer heat started to kick in. VOTO Council surprised them with bingo on the night which was a hit with our guests and enjoyed by all, prizes that had been sponsored were given out to our Bingo winners. It was held at the Marsa Sports Club and we were able to host 54 patients with 21 volunteers helping out.
