The L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign has reached a key milestone, as the President of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, officially commenced the donation counting process at Bank of Valletta’s Head Office. This symbolic event marks the final stages of the 22nd edition of this campaign that sees school children from across Malta and Gozo as its protagonists.

H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono was welcomed at BOV Centre by Bank of Valletta Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia and Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chair of the BOV Foundation, along with other members of the Bank’s Executive Committee.

Since its inception, the campaign has united thousands of children in a simple but powerful act of generosity. They donate a little of their savings or pocket money to those in need. Every child’s contribution is supplemented through an additional donation by the Bank. Since the initiative was first launched in 2004, Bank of Valletta has contributed well over €3.4 million to L-istrina, combining funds collected through the campaign with those directly donated by the Bank.

Addressing those present, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono thanked the management of Bank of Valletta for its continuous support throughout the year, including during the L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign. She also acknowledged the altruism and commitment of the Bank’s employees, who every year voluntarily dedicate their time to assist in the process of counting donations collected from children in schools.

The President also praised the Bank’s commitment to assisting various non-governmental organisations that support people in difficulty, as well as its contribution to the cultural and artistic sphere in our country.

Kenneth Farrugia emphasised that, “Every donation collected through the BOV Piggy Bank Campaign carries a message of altruism, care and solidarity. Over the years, this initiative has shown how children can lead with generosity, with Bank of Valletta playing its part through additional financial contributions. We are proud to team up with schools across Malta and Gozo as we collectively continue to build a culture of giving in support of L-istrina’s mission year after year.”

Ernest Agius added, “This campaign, supported by the BOV Foundation, is not only about fundraising, but more importantly, it is about shaping values. By involving children from a young age, we are nurturing altruism, empathy and a sense of responsibility towards others. We look forward to the final total being announced during L-istrina on 26 December and, once again, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need support most.”

Highlighting the dedication behind the scenes, Ernest Agius explained how, “This occasion also serves to shine a light on the spirit of volunteering within the Bank. Our employees dedicate their time and energy to support the donation counting process through our volunteering programme, and we are proud to see their efforts make such an important and impactful contribution to the success of this campaign.”

With the donation-counting process underway, the final amount collected by schoolchildren will be revealed during the live L-istrina broadcast.

This year, President Myriam Spiteri Debono visited 21 state, church, and private schools as part of the L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign.