Dear Reader,
What a wonderful response we’ve had so far – and a warm thank you to all whose hard work has made it happen.
Our “Save Valletta’s Skyline” appeal is proving yet again how valued our Cathedral is both here and abroad.
We’ve seen support from individuals in Malta and the UK, from corporate sponsors, charities and foundations – and from many local businesses who are supplying products and services at a discount.
This first Newsletter gives you details of progress so far – and exciting events to come.
We’re especially pleased and proud of the ecumenical spirit generated by the Appeal.
So keen were we to begin, that our first fundraising events actually took place before the official launch of our appeal!
At the end of April 2016, a 3 day ‘Spring into Summer’ event was held in Wardija, with morning coffee and lunches served alongside stalls selling brand new clothing, jewellery, home made produce and decorative items for the home, with everything donated by Maltese and English companies and run by hardworking volunteers. This raised Euros 8,667.58
In November/December 2016 a Christmas Pop-up Shop was held in Balluta, with the premises lent free of charge by the lessee. Once again, everything offered for sale was brand new (apart from the ever-popular homemade chutneys, jams and marmalades!) and over 10 days, raised a hard-earned Euros 6,157.38.
We were helped by so many people, who worked hard before, during and after the events; generously refused payment for the use of their premises or transportation services; donated top quality branded goods; cooked, baked and steamed alongside never-ending boiling pans; made some of the first donations to the appeal; or asked for the change from their purchases to go towards the overall money raised.
Since then our events committee has already organized three highly successful events and and we are now announcing a Family Film night; a Grand Lunch at the Verdala Palace by kind permission of The President of Malta, HE Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca; and a Children’s Art competition. Looking further ahead, we are also planning a major performance of Handel’s Messiah with an Australian choir at St.Paul’s on Friday, 12th January 2018.
We’re also inviting you to share with us your memories of important events in your life involving the Cathedral. The first of these comes to us from Commander David Joel RN.
Finally, we hope this first Newsletter gives you an idea of just how positive the response has been to our Appeal. We’re more than ever inspired to re-double our efforts to meet our long-term goal. So stand by for more exciting and stimulating events in future months – and keep tuned for progress on our website or on Facebook.
Sincerely,
Signed
