Pictured above: HSBC CEO Mark Watkinson presenting the €100,000 donation on behalf of HSBC Malta Foundation to President Dr George Abela and Mrs Margaret Abela

For the fourth year running, HSBC Malta Foundation donated €100,000 to l-Istrina at the start of the 12-hour national fund-raising event held at Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. As the main sponsor of l-Istrina and the Malta Community Chest Fund, HSBC Malta Foundation supports this initiative through the €100,000 donation, other financial contributions from events organised by HSBC Malta employees, as well as practical assistance provided for the organisation of the event itself and the voluntary work of the bank’s employees throughout the whole day.

The bank’s donation was presented to President of Malta Dr George Abela and Mrs Margaret Abela by HSBC Malta Chief Executive Officer Mark Watkinson and employees volunteering to help out during l-Istrina.

HSBC supplemented its donation by additional funds raised during 2013 through various other HSBC staff activities including a cross-country triathlon which raised €4,000 and a poinsettia-for-charity initiative which raised €2,500. 

HSBC CEO Mark Watkinson said: “As one of Malta’s major charity events, l-Istrina is a testament to the generosity of the Maltese. HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to be the main sponsor of l-Istrina and the Malta Community Chest Fund and this initiative complements the work we carry out in the community. I thank the hundreds of HSBC Malta employees for the time they volunteer to help out in such initiatives.”

Organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund, l-Istrina is one of Malta’s major charity events, involving a 12-hour TV marathon in aid of charity, aired annually on 26th December.

HSBC Malta Foundation has been supporting l-Istrina and the Malta Community Chest Fund for the last 13 years, as part of the Bank’s Corporate Sustainability programme committed to bringing about lasting benefits within the community.