'I'll miss L-Istrina but not the Palace,' First Gentleman admits

First Gentleman Edgar Preca visited the counting process of the BOV Piggy Bank Campaign in aid of L-Istrina 2018 and said that the generosity of the Maltese people was overwhelming and something that he would miss after his wife leaves office

First Gentleman Edgar Preca
First Gentleman Edgar Preca

First Gentleman Edgar Preca couldn't say that he would miss San Anton Palace, but he would most certainly miss L-Istrina once his wife, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, leaves office.

"This is a testament to the generosity of the Maltese people and I'm going to miss seeing this and being a part of this," Preca said.

Preca attended the counting process of the BOV Piggy Bank Campaign at the Bank of Valletta Head Office in Santa Venera earlier today. The campaign, which is now in its 15th edition, was launched in October 2018 by the President Marie-Louise Colerio Preca with BOV CEO Mario Mallia.

Hundreds of piggy banks were distributed to all primary and secondary schools in Malta and Gozo to raise awareness among the younger generation while contributing to a worthy cause.

First Gentleman Edgar Preca with BOV staff members during the counting process
First Gentleman Edgar Preca with BOV staff members during the counting process

Preca said that the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCF) had spent €7.5 million just this year, mostly on specialised chemotherapy. "The MCCF is spending more than it is earning so events like these are doubly important. We need to keep supporting MCCF for the good work it does," he said.

Preca visited a number of schools around Malta and Gozo in the run-up to L-Istrina, raising awareness about the need for solidarity and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Looking over at the piggy banks, with BOV employees still in the midst of counting, Preca commented that it was evident that the Maltese had been generous once more this year. "I think we're going to be pleasantly surprised," he said.

Founded in 1995, L-Istrina fundraising event will take place on the 26 December, Boxing Day.