Thomas Smith Group raises €5,000 for the Malta Community Chest Fund
Thomas Smith Group presented the €5,000 raised in 2016 despite the cancellation of the annual Christmas Charity Swim scheduled on Sunday, 18 December. The swim was cancelled due to weather conditions that would have been hazardous to swimmers. Managing director, Joe Gerada, together with Liana Cachia, Group Marketing & HR manager, presented the funds to President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca on 22 December at San Anton Palace.
During the cheque presentation, President Coleiro Preca thanked Thomas Smith Group for their efforts and dedication in organising the Charity Swim annually and commended the company for contributing towards the final amount of €5,000. The amount was reached through public do- nations and topped up by Thomas Smith Group, and also through the Thomas Smith Staff Solidarity Fund, who collected donations throughout 2016 via Dress Down Fridays initiatives. Ever since its inception, the Group, together with the swimmers’ donations collected just over €102,000.
“Cancelling the swim was a great disappointment to the company and the members of the organising team, as well as to keen supporters who were eagerly awaiting the swim. Unfortunately the weather was not in our favour this year and rescheduling proved difficult. We look forward to the 19th edition to be held in 2017, on Sunday, 17 December,” said Mr Gerada. “The Thomas Smith Charity Swim is now an annual appointment on the calendar of events of the Office of the President and following this year’s positive response, it continues to attract an ever-growing number of participants, expressing their solidarity and altruism.”
The company would like to extend its appreciation to all who supported the event, including participants who have once again shown great enthusiasm. Regular supporters included the Sliema Local Council, Civil Protection Department, the Malta Police Force, Malta Red Cross, St John’s Rescue Corps, Għaqda Dilettanti Sajd Sliema, Drinks n’ More, Vertex Vending Services Ltd, XZone, Island Beverages, Fresco’s Café & Restaurant, Cara’s Cafeteria, J. Bonnici & Sons, Clyde Dolceria, Content Factory, WAVA, Karl Borg Events, SignIt, LovinMalta, Eve.com.mt, as well as many others.