A number of well-known Maltese personalities as well as a host of Maltese NGOs took to Freedom Square in Valletta to symbolically celebrate the Marigold Foundation’s fifth anniversary.

Surrounded by members from the various NGOs who worked hand in hand with the Marigold Foundation, Co-founder and Chairperson, Mrs Michelle Muscat, said that these five years consisted of tremendous work by all these NGOs and improvement in awareness for the many sections in our society that face different challenges.

“It is the aim of the Marigold Foundation to work hand in hand with these NGOs to raise their voice on a national level, lobby the authorities and advocate for better awareness, acceptance and better services for all,” the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

“Along these five years, Marigold was pivotal in raising awareness on autism on a national level, creating awareness of rare diseases and founding the first alliance in this field, whilst combating the taboo of mental health and that of Mount Carmel Hospital. The foundation helped in creating better environment for people in diverse respite homes and shelters for challenged people undergoing rehabilitation programs,’ the statement continued.

During the event, Mrs Muscat pledged the foundation’s support for the transplant support group Life after Drew

Looking ahead, Michelle Muscat said that the Marigold Foundations’ next five years will be about consolidating the current work but also working on new projects and campaigns that Maltese communities need. It is also about working closer and collaborating with our European and international counterparts so that the needs of our communities are addressed in the best way possible, leaving no one trailing behind.

She also referred to the campaigns the Foundation were supporting, relating to issues such as cancer, the empowerment of women and girls, encouraging literacy in schools and support the Special Olympics through the Sweet Sixteen Program.

The Marigold Foundation is funded through Michelle Muscat’s annual swimming challenge as well as through the support of Bank of Valletta, Co-Founder of the Foundation.

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]