Second Dar Bjorn opened in Żebbuġ
The 4th of May 2023 marked yet another milestone for Bjorn Formosa. After 7 years of hard work; creating the foundation, opening a home in Qormi and helping hundreds of people, Bjorn’s ALS Malta has fulfilled its wish to ‘help more’ as the second DAR Bjorn was finally opened, this time in Żebbuġ.
After his ALS diagnosis back in 2015, Bjorn made it his life mission to raise awareness and to help others with debilitating neurological diseases, a statement by ALS Malta said. That is precisely what ALS Malta is doing; giving people with neurological diseases the equipment, help and services that they need in order to live comfortably and with dignity, all the while giving their family members peace of mind, it said.
“This new home in Żebbuġ, which was opened by Prime Minister, Robert Abela, extends these services to even more families on a larger scale. People who are unable to live in their homes due to inaccessibility or other difficulties will be given the opportunity to live in this large home receiving 24/7 care and services tailored to their needs”, the statement read.
Previously an abandoned factory, the space underwent a massive transformation to become a 5 floor home with double-height spaces allowing sunlight all around, large open areas for the residents and a wheelchair accessible terrace. Apart from the nurses, carers and professionals on call, the residents will benefit from amenities such as a heated therapy pool, a gym, a chapel, a cafeteria, shop and a large yard, the statement read.
“The first floor will act as an event space whilst also showcasing ALS Malta’s art and whiskey collections, both of which are sold in aid of the cause. The rest of the floors will soon host 30 new residents, providing them with a room, en-suite and balconies overlooking the soon-tobe DAR Bjorn Respite home.”
As philanthropist Bjorn Formosa testified, the home’s journey was nothing but easy. “From the pandemic, to the construction sector completely halting, to the Ukraine war, obstacles were encountered throughout. The works took longer and the budget grew larger than anticipated, but thanks to the public’s generosity this project was still made possible.”
“In an intimate ceremony on Thursday evening, the new home was opened by the Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela, in the presence of the Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights, Julia Farrugia Portelli. The evening featured speeches from Bjorn himself, the Prime Minister and Janice Fiorentino, the architect who designed the home. A tour was then given by Bjorn and Maria.”
“This ambitious project would not have been possible without the public’s help; their constant support and generosity enabled the foundation to reach new heights, work harder and help more and more people. Neurological diseases are disabling and difficult to cope with, hence this home will give relief to both the new residents and their caregivers. That said, two homes still do not suffice for the demand that there is, and people are still suffering behind closed doors”, the statement read.
ALS Malta urges for more donations as it continues to help.