‘STAR REWARD’ was formed in the last week of May 2011, as a rapid response, right after the media conveyed the barbaric atrocities done towards the Dog, Star. “Thanks to the fine work done by the Animal Welfare, of rescuing Star, the public then got a first hand view of the reality in this country that cruelty towards animals lives amongst us,” the team said.

‘She was Shot, Tied and Buried alive! Our Aim! To obtain funds, set a reward and capture the culprit!’

Though this was not the only message Star Reward said that it wanted to relay, “but by setting up the fund it also wanted to communicate a message to anyone that cruelty to animals shall not be tolerated.”

It was decided that if in the event that no one comes forward or if the Police solve the case, then nine Animal Sanctuaries would benefit equally from all the funds collected, one of the sanctuaries included is the Gozo SPCA,

The Nine sanctuaries appointed are :

AAA Sanctuary

Island Sanctuary

Noah’s Ark Sanctuary

SPCA Malta

SPCA Gozo

Happy Paws

Tomasina Cat Sanctuary

SASG

Francis Napier

Founded by Mr. Roberto Calleia, Dr. Stefan Camilleri , Mr. Hermann Bonaci and Ms. Moira Delia, Star Reward commenced with obtaining a licence from the Malta Police.

Star Reward said “the Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Jose Brincat, was truly supportive and extremely helpful. “

“The free phone number 119 was allocated (used only for human criminal cases) for Star Reward, meaning anyone who had any information about STAR could call in all confidentiality. Never before has this number been assigned towards a case of cruelty towards Animals.”

POLICE FREEPHONE NUMBER 119

“All local mobile networks understood our cause and gave a hand to Star Reward as swiftly as possible. Ms. Desiree Bone from Vodafone, assisted and brought every mobile provider on board,” the Star Reward members said.

Star Reward Fund:

SMS 50617375 – 2.33

50618084 – 4.66

50619222 – 11.65

The Star Reward trust fund was set up at HSBC :

HSBC STAR REWARD TRUST : ACC No 027 106186 901

IBAN : MT 56MMEB44277000000027106186901

SWIFT/BIC : MMEBMTMT

Through social networking and mobile messaging Star Reward said it commenced with its chosen slogan “Together we shall make a difference.” Star Reward posters had been printed and distributed to retail outlets, restaurants and the media, all costs supplied by sponsors.

Star Reward made its first TV appearance on John Bundy’s Affari Taghna on One TV, together with Frank Zammit’s TV programme on Net TV, shortly after.

Star Reward said that The Times of Malta gave helpful coverage also towards Star Reward, so much so that Star Reward was mentioned by the famous cartoonist Maurice Tanti Burlo, stating, “Remember the Silent protest tomorrow for STAR and give generously to the Star Reward Fund.”

The Silent protest on the 5th June 2011, organised for Star and against cruelty towards Animals by Ms. Fleur Cilia-Buckett was a great success and brought more awareness to the public. Today, Star Reward has requested Ms. Fleur Cilia- Buckett to present a cheque on their behalf to one of the listed sanctuaries for her outstanding support towards Animals.

Star Reward collected separate funds from six local companies for a full page advert in The Times of Malta for awareness towards the campaign.

On the 6th of June, one day after the silent protest, Star Reward said that the unimaginable news was given that Star had passed due to her injuries. This was a sudden blow to all.

Though due to this unfortunate event, Star Reward said that it was adamant in fulfilling it’s goal. “On the 12th June, Star Reward reached out to local celebrities to work on a video for the local television networks. The explicit and eloquent script for Star Reward’s TV campaign to bring more awareness was prepared by Ms. Alison Bezzina, a popular writer for the Times of Malta and a true animal lover. Ms.Ira Losco, Ms. Frida Cauchi, Ms. Clare Aguis, Ms. Alison Bezzina, Mr. Norman Hamilton, Mr. John Bundy, Mr. Gianni Zammit, Mr. Hermann Bonaci, Mr. Daniel Chircop and Mr. Ivan Grech volunteered freely to voice the message on this video whilst Ms. Moira Delia and Mr. Roberto Calleia from Star Reward also participated. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated and believed.”

This was produced and filmed at Hermann Bonaci Productions in Qormi at no cost.

It was first aired on Affari Taghna on the 17th of June 2011. On Saturday, the 18th of June, aired on Bla Agenda, whilst the programme itself was fully dedicated to Star and cruelty towards animals. Star Reward said that it wishes to thank Mr. John Bundy and Mr and Mrs Hamilton for their great support.

Star Reward said that “on the 20th June 2011, less than three days from the launch of the Star Reward’s TV spot, the Malta Police apprehended and arrested Mr. Alfred Vella after intense investigations for the barbaric act carried out on the Dog , Star. On the 22nd of June, Star Reward publically announced on TVM’s 8pm News that all funds collected shall be distributed to all the nine sanctuaries with the case has being solved by the Maltese Police Force.”

By the beginning of July 2011, Star Reward said that it “had collected over €8100.00, through sms’s and donations. One donation deposited directly into the bank account amounted to €500.00. The local cable network Melita Plc also donated to the cause and aired Star Reward’s sms numbers on their info channel. Donations from the United States and United Kingdom had also been received.”

Yesterday, Thursday, the 18th of January 2012, Star Reward Fund distributed the funds to nine sanctuaries, the full amount being that of €8104.50 (excluding network and bank charges). Each Sanctuary received the amount of €900.50. “We are delighted to know that these funds shall be used for the animals in need.” Star Reward said.

Star Reward again would like to “thatnk everyone who has collaborated to this cause and for being the voice for innocent animals.”

“Together we have made a difference.”

Ms. Moira Delia – Mr. Roberto Calleia – Mr. Hermann Bonaci – Dr. Stefan Camilleri

The STAR REWARD TEAM.

Permalink: Nine animal sanctuaries receive funds from ‘STAR REWARD’