L-Istrina Telethon Collects €5.76 Million for Malta Community Chest Fund

National Solidarity Shines at 30th L-Istrina Telethon

The annual L-Istrina charity telethon, a cornerstone of Maltese philanthropy, successfully concluded its 30th edition on Friday, December 26, 2025, raising an impressive €5.76 million. The 12-hour fundraising marathon, broadcast live from the Kirkop Sports Complex, saw widespread participation from across the nation, with all proceeds dedicated to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCFF).

The event, a Boxing Day tradition since its inception in 1995, commenced at noon and continued until midnight, featuring live performances and appearances by prominent public figures. The broadcast was officially opened by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, accompanied by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Alex Borg, and Archbishop Charles Scicluna, underscoring the national unity behind the cause.

Funds to Aid Patients and Families in Need

The substantial sum collected will be channeled through the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial, material, and professional support to individuals, families, and voluntary organizations in Malta and Gozo. The MCCFF's primary aim is to improve the quality of life and care for those facing serious challenges, without discrimination.

Specifically, the funds are crucial for assisting patients and their families battling severe medical conditions, such as cancer, and for covering the costs of essential medical treatments, including those requiring specialized care abroad. The foundation also supports individuals with rare diseases and helps with travel and subsistence for overseas medical care, specialized equipment, and wigs for chemotherapy patients.

Widespread Contributions and Presidential Engagement

The success of this year's L-Istrina telethon was a testament to the collective generosity of the Maltese and Gozitan people, alongside significant contributions from various entities. Donations poured in throughout the day from members of the public, companies, public entities, NGOs, charitable foundations, and even schoolchildren.

• Bank of Valletta announced a contribution of €312,000, with €62,000 of this amount raised by primary and secondary school students across the country through the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign.
• Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a donation of €100,000 from the Social Causes Fund.
• The Bottle Collection and Recovery Scheme pledged €92,000.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono expressed gratitude for the overwhelming solidarity and generosity, thanking the hundreds of volunteers and workers who contributed to the event's success. She also visited Gozo to personally receive donations from Gozitan families and businesses, highlighting the nationwide reach of the charitable effort.

A Tradition of Giving Continues

The €5.76 million raised this year surpassed the €5.2 million collected during the 2024 edition. While it did not reach the record €7 million achieved in 2018, the consistent outpouring of support reaffirms L-Istrina's vital role as Malta's largest annual charity event and a powerful symbol of national compassion and unity.