€668,127 were raised during the New Year’s Open Day and fund raising marathon organised by Radio RTK for Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi. This was the highest sum ever collected in the past fifteen annual editions. Notwithstanding the rain, quite heavy at times, huge crowds filled the big tent in the parking lot of the Home. The Director, Fr Martin Micallef, thanked all those hundreds of volunteers that took part in the organisation of the Open Day, but most of all the Maltese people, who notwithstanding the rains that fell throughout the afternoon and evening, once again showered id-Dar tal-Providenza with solidarity and generosity. He said that this money will go a long way towards providing a better life to its residents.

During the day their were visits by the President of Malta, Dr George Abela and Mrs. Abela; the Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence and Mrs. Gonzi; the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Joseph Muscat; the Archbishop, Mons. Pawl Cremona OP and the Archbishop Emeritus, Mons. Guzeppi Mercieca.

The live television broadcast started at 9.00am with Holy Mass from the chapel of the Home and continued till well past midnight when the total sum collected during the day was announced amidst the joy and celebrations of the organisers and volunteers. TVM, Education Channel 22, ONE TV, NET TV and Favourite TV took part for long stretches of the 15-hour televised marathon which included entertainment provided by the top singers on the island, various entertainers and village bands that managed to create a festive family atmosphere.

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