WATCH | L-Istrina collects €5.7 million in aid of Community Chest Fund

The annual charity telethon on Boxing Day, L-Istrina, raised €5.7 million for the Malta Community Chest Fund, slightly above the amount collected last year.

L-Istrina 2025 kicked off at noon and ended at midnight. It was broadcast on all television stations, with the public being urged to donate in person or via phone. This year's edition was held from the Sports Complex in Kirkop.

Proceeds primarily support patients in need of costly medical treatments, including children.

L-Istrina has been running since 1995 and has become a tradition. The highest sum ever collected was In 2018 when people donated €7 million. Over the past few years donations have stabilised at just over €5 million. In last year's edition, €5.2 million were donated.

This year’s telethon was officially opened by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, alongside Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Alex Borg and Archbishop Charles Scicluna. As in previous editions, the programme will feature live performances, entertainment segments and appearances by public figures.

Ahead of the fundraiser, organisers highlighted several cases supported by the Community Chest Fund. These include 13-year-old Thiago, who regularly travels to the United Kingdom for treatment for a rare condition affecting his eyesight, and 16-year-old Yasmeen, who spent almost a year in the UK recovering from surgery for a brain tumour before returning to Malta to continue her studies at MCAST.