Pictured above: President’s spouse Mr Edgar Preca, flanked by (from left) St Benedict College Principal Mr Carmel Micallef, Head of St Benedict College Ms Connie Richard, and GreenPak CEO Ing. Mario Schembri

Although Christmas is still nine months away, the 5th edition of GreenPak’s ‘Nirriċikla għall-Istrina’ campaign has just started to allow participants more time to collect plastic caps and increase the donation given by GreenPak Coop Society to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Mr Edgar Preca, the spouse of the President of Malta, was present for the official inauguration which was held at the Helen Keller Resource Centre in Qrendi – the school which last year collected the most plastic caps per student.
The initiative, energetically driven by GreenPak for the fifth consecutive year, aims at collecting funds for the upcoming l-Istrina 2015 through gathering and recycling of plastic bottle caps.
In recent editions, participation in the ‘Nirriċikla għall-Istrina’ campaign has been extended beyond the participation of schools. As from last year, GreenPak has encouraged companies and organisations to join in and participate as well in this noble cause. For this year’s edition, GreenPak is actively working in collaboration with the Malta Community Chest Fund and the Directorate for Educational Services to assist in reaching an even wider audience.
Mr Edgar Preca, on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund praised GreenPak’s enthusiasm to make a difference to the vulnerable people assisted by the Malta Community Chest Fund. Mr Preca expressed words of gratitude towards GreenPak as ‘Nirriċikla għall-Istrina’ has become an integral part of the students’ charity calendar. Mr Preca stated that this campaign not only raises awareness to help people in difficult situations but it also educates our children to be thoughtful of people in need, including so many children that unfortunately need the Malta Community Chest Fund for specialised therapy abroad.
Ing. Mario Schembri, GreenPak Coop Society CEO, said: “GreenPak is committing itself to increase its donation at l-Istrina as more caps are expected to be collected this year. We believe that, through this campaign, a positive recycling message is delivered by connecting two socially benefitting activities – recycling and charity.”
“The overwhelming response received for this initiative year after year is a clear indication that GreenPak’s sustainable practices message is being well received, not only by younger generations, but also from private organisations and the business community. This further encourages us to continue providing recycling opportunities in a socially responsible manner,” he added.
As one of Malta’s major charity events, l-Istrina is organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund and involves the airing of a 12-hour TV marathon on 26 December 2015.