L-Istrina collects €5.2 million donations in Boxing Day telethon

Over €5.2 million in donations weren collected during the L-Istrina charity telethon on Tuesday, just over the amount collected the year before.

L-Istrina, which has become one of the biggest local Boxing Day traditions, was broadcast live for 12 hours between noon and midnight on Tuesday. 

This year’s telethon also kicked off at Independence Square in Rabat, Gozo.

This year's edition of L-Istrina is President George Vella’s last one. On Christmas Eve, Vella stated that despite the festive season, many today will work tirelessly to help those undergoing treatment.

Last year’s L-Istrina collected €5,062,415 in aid of the Community Chest Fund Foundation.

L-Istrina has been held every Boxing Day since 1995. The MCCF funds expensive treatment abroad or medicines that are not on the government formulary for Maltese patients.

The marathon was broadcast live on all local television stations.