Jacob’s Brew: Queen Elizabeth II recognises Maltese social entrepreneur with Commonwealth Points of Light award
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II yesterday recognised Sarah Cachia as the 35th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary work supporting those struggling with and recovering from traumatic illnesses.
In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on 19 and 20 April, Her Majesty The Queen - as Head of the Commonwealth - is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
By sharing these stories of service, the Heads of Government meeting will celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Sarah founded ‘Jacob’s Brew’ in Marsascala to boost the morale of patients and their families struggling with health difficulties. When her son Jacob survived a traumatic struggle against meningoencephalitis four years ago, there was no existing community group which could support her family. She decided to create a café called ‘Jacob’s Brew’, the first social enterprise of its kind in Malta, where people facing ill health can meet other patients who are going through similar circumstances. Customers can ask for a stamp on their receipt and ‘Pay It Forward’, in an act of kindness to provide a free hot drink to someone going through a traumatic experience. The café runs a programme that delivers free food and drink to families in the waiting room of a local hospital. Sarah also cofounded ‘Survivors Malta’, a support group for people with health difficulties which has grown to 5,000 members.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. British High Commissioner to Malta Stuart Gill OBE presented the award to Sarah yesterday at Jacob’s Brew in Marsascala. Sarah Cachia commented, “I am truly overwhelmed and grateful for winning this award, not so much for myself, but in recognition of my family’s dedication and the amazing people who have crossed our paths along our journey that have supported us throughout always believing in what we do. I have made it my mission to put right what was missing when my own family faced our trauma five years ago. I was once told that everything happens for a reason. When we survived our ordeal I was determined to make that reason. All that I do, hasn’t come without personal and financial sacrifice and there have been times when I have felt like giving up, but receiving this award not only gives credibility to our NGO Survivors Malta as an organisation. It is also a reminder to myself that I am on the right track and will continue to pursue to initiate future projects to help families facing trauma.”
Stuart Gill OBE, High Commissioner to Malta, added, “I am delighted that Sarah Cachia has been selected to be Malta’s Point of Light, receiving recognition for the wonderful work she is doing. Sarah’s efforts at Jacob’s Brew have been of immense help and support to a great number of families facing traumatic experiences. She has brought the community together in a spirit of understanding, friendship, and kindness. I congratulate her for her terrific fortitude and for being such a beacon of hope. She truly is an inspiration to us all.”
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting will bring together leaders from all the 53 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.