In Malta, 19^th March is a public holiday and most Maltese spend the day at leisure or enjoying the festivities celebrating the feast of St. Joseph in various localities, but for hundreds of employees from seven Maltese companies this was a day of active voluntary work in aid of the community.

As from early morning, around 400 volunteers from Farsons Group, Forestals Group, HSBC Malta Foundation, MSV Life, Munich Re, Tumas Group and Vassallo Group joined forces to deliver better environments in various homes and institutions as part of this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Day. Additional support is being provided on the day by Junior Chamber International, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and Red Cross Malta.

Residential homes and caring institutions that benefited this year included: Dar Merħba Bik, Agenzija Sapport’s Ċentru Taħriġ, St. Jeanne Antide Foundation, Young People’s Unit, Fondazzjoni Wens, St Joseph Home, and Arka Foundation in Gozo.

The volunteers were paid a visit by Archbishop Paul Cremona and Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli who both thanked the employees for their dedication and commitment towards such a worthy cause.

Works varied from painting and whitewashing of walls, to structural works, soft decorations and landscaping. All works were sponsored through one common fund pooled among the participating organisations.

“We feel it is our corporate responsibility to contribute socially not only through financial aid but also through our time and energy. Year on year, CSR Day is increasingly gaining momentum and we are pleased to offer a helping hand with maintenance works to provide a better environment.  Any other interested parties are welcome to come on board and join us in this good cause,” said Mark Watkinson, HSBC Malta’s CEO.