Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1061063
17 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 12 DECEMBER 2018 COMMERCIAL THIS Christmas, Main Street Shopping Complex will once again create a magical atmos- phere around Paola's square with the setting up of a 12m Christmas tree that will illu- minate the square until Janu- ary. The tree, together with various other new Christmas light decorations produced and installed by Paola's band clubs and associations, was inaugu- rated during a special event by Paola's mayor Dominic Grima and Bettina Azzopardi on be- half of Main Street Complex plc. The Christmas tree and dec- orations will offer a one-of-a kind Christmas experience for families and people of all ages who will visit Paola during the festive season. Being the third most popular shopping desti- nation in Malta, those visiting Paola during December can also enjoy and spend time in the large public open space of Paola's square which was com- pleted earlier this year. Bettina Azzopardi said that 2018 was an excellent year for Main Street as it experi- enced the highest footfall since its opening with more than 800,000 people walking into the complex during the past 12 months. "The decision to turn into a public company and give the opportunity to individual in- vestors to become sharehold- ers has also been a success. All this encourages us to keep in- vesting not just commercially but also by supporting the local community," she said. "Over the years, we embarked on various initiatives to help different organisations and charitable institutions, and this Christmas tree is one way of showing thanks towards the community that has always been a part of what Main Street represents. We hope that all those who will be in Paola during this festive season will enjoy the special Christmas atmosphere that has been cre- ated in the new Paola square. It's an experience that brings the Christmas spirit to life!" Main Street Shopping Complex continues its investment towards the local community ON Friday, 30 November, the Sliema branch of Frank Salt Real Estate once again trans- formed itself into an art gallery hosting a solo art exhibition for local artist Geoffrey Ciantar. This is the second exhibition held at the Sliema office this year, the first was by another acclaimed local artist, Nickie Sultana, held in May. Having done some altera- tions to the branch interior to accommodate the display, Manager George Vassallo, to- gether with the artist, were able to display 20 art pieces, all unique in their style. Geoffrey and George hosted an even- ing reception to launch the exhibition, inviting several cli- ents, colleagues and of course, friends. Geoffrey Ciantar was born in 1969 – coincidentally the same year Frank Salt Real Estate was established. Early on, it was ob- vious that Geoffrey was full of talent: at the age of 11 he fin- ished his first two oil paintings which still hang in his parents' home in Msida. He was lucky to have popular artist Harry Alden as his Art teacher in sec- ondary school and later, in his 20s, Geoffrey spent one year working closely with sculptor Anton Agius, the latter hav- ing had a great influence on Geoffrey to help him further develop his technique and to experiment with other media and materials. The exhibition held at Frank Salt Real Estate's Sliema branch was Geoffrey Ciantar's third exhibition, yet the first one entirely exhibiting pieces created with oil pastels. The exhibition is being held in aid of FIDEM Charity Foun- dation. Founded by Sabine Ca- bourdin, FIDEM is a non-prof- it organisation which provides support and empowerment to vulnerable people, focusing mainly on women and chil- dren, through education, art and culture. During the exhibition the foundation showcased crafts and Christmas decorations handmade by victims and sur- vivors of domestic violence. Geoffrey Ciantar's art col- lection will be on display for viewings and sales at Frank Salt Real Estate Sliema branch, 201 Tower Road, until 31 Decem- ber 2018. For enquiries please call the office on 2342 1000 or send an email to sliema@ franksalt.com.mt. Frank Salt Real Estate's Sliema branch hosts art collection by Geoffrey Ciantar The employees carried our various tasks such as general cleaning, washing windows and food preparation. The foundation organised the activity with the help of the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation RGF employees pitch in at Id-Dar tal-Providenza A group of employees from the Responsible Gaming Founda- tion have spent a full day car- rying out voluntary work at id- Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The employees carried our various tasks such as general cleaning, washing windows and food preparation. The founda- tion organised the activity with the help of the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Servic- es, Digital Economy and Inno- vation. Parliamentary Secretary Sil- vio Schembri also attended the event, meeting Fr Martin Mi- callef, Director at Dar tal-Prov- idenza, as well as the Responsi- ble Gaming Foundation's staff. He thanked the volunteers, underlining the importance of voluntary work in today's society. Schembri visited and talked with various workers at Dar tal-Providenza, where he thanked them and Fr Martin Micallef for the work they did with persons with disability on a daily basis. On behalf of the residents, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of id- Dar tal-Providenza, thanked the staff of the Responsible Gaming Foundation for the voluntary work and announced a New Year's Day fundraising event in aid of Dar tal-Provi- denza. Head of Operations at the RGF, Shawn Zammit, thanked the Parliamentary Secretary for his attendance for this social activity and Fr Micallef for his sterling work in helping per- sons with disability. The staff of the Responsible Gaming Foundation accompanied by the Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri, the Director of Dar tal-Providenza Fr Martin Micallef and Administrator Nadine Camilleri