Update 4: Last night at the close of the 12-hour charity campaign L-Istrina 2013, an all time record was set of €3,414,440, beating last year’s total of €3,294,997, which was also a record.

L-Istrina is Malta’s major charity event and belongs to The Malta Community Chest Fund, in Gozo the events started at 3.00pm at the Astra Theatre in Victoria, while in Malta the marathon started at midday at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Donations and pledges poured in by phone, SMS and on Facebook, as well as from company donations.The Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, on stage at the Astra Theatre on Thursday evening, said that he was joining in with the thousands of Maltese and Gozitans, in giving his donation, and called on the people of Gozo to show how large their heart is by continuing to call with pledges and donations. Also with The Minister for Gozo on stage, was the Mayor of Qala Clint Camilleri.

Dr Refalo said that he would also like to take the opportunity to thank President Abela for the valuable work carried out to make this event such a success. Adding “I would also thank to the great team of volunteers, for without their commitment and hard work, Istrina would not have been possible.”

The 12-hour TV marathon was aired on all local TV stations-TVM, Net, One, f Living and Smash.

The show staged at the Astra Theatre included popular singer Ira Losco, along with La Stella Band. For this occasion, the band will be under the direction of Mro Sigmund Mifsud, the Society’s Assistant Musical Director

Other participants during the evening were bands The Tramps, Cash & Band, Melanie & Band and various dance schools including: Yada Dance Company, Centre Stage Dance Academy, Powerhouse and Dance Cradle. As well as the participation of the Laudate Pueri choir, Piccole Stella and the La Stella Dramatic Company.

Donations for L-Istrina 2013 can be made as follows:

Telephone:

5180 2012 – €25,

5170 2011 – €15,

5160 2027 – €10.

SMS:

5061 9201 – €11.65,

5061 8918 – €6.99.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/listrina/app_113137232090354.

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