Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1104601
21 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 APRIL 2019 MALTESE voluntary organi- sation Step Up for Parkinson's has recently launched an in- novative crowdfunding cam- paign on local platform Zaar. It hopes to be able to add four more classes to its portfolio of existing activities for people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. To-date, Step Up for Parkin- son's is the only local organisa- tion that gives free, specialised movement classes to people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. The organisa- tion is crowdfunding to raise €10,000 so it can achieve its goal. The VO started off with just eight participants in March 2017, but today can boast of 162 regulars, six classes and 11 trained teachers. "We need to offer even more," says SUFP founder and chairperson Na- talie Muschamp. "We passion- ately believe that these classes should be accessible to every- one, regardless of their finan- cial status. Thus, they must always remain free to the par- ticipants. The funding is needed to pay teachers, as well as to cover training and administration costs. The amount would also help to keep the organisa- tion running, and enable it to match the demand for its ser- vices. While backers to the cam- paign will be supporting peo- ple who live with Parkinson's, they will also receive one of a series of attractive rewards for their contribution. A €10 donation will give them a cer- tificate of appreciation; while €20 will offer backers a chance to attend one of SUFP's class- es. With an €80 pledge, the backer will be given a ticket for SUFP's annual fundraising gala being held at the Corin- thia Palace Hotel on 27 April. Meanwhile, donations of €200 will receive all the above together with a personal thank you video from the SUFP team; companies that donate €500 will also have their logo added to the SUFP sponsors' page; while a €1,000 dona- tion will also give donors the option to join one of SUFP's teacher training sessions or have Ms Muschamp conduct a workshop for their staff. Silver Sponsors of €2,500 will receive 10 tickets to the gala event, a company banner at the event and media men- tions before and during the gala event with all media as- sociated with the gala (TV and radio). Finally, Gold Sponsors of €5,000 will receive all of the above together with social me- dia mentions For further information and details about how to make donations to the Step Up for Parkinson's crowdfunding campaign please visit http:// www.zaar.com.mt/projects/ step-up-for-parkinsons-2-. Movement classes for people with Parkinson's Disease being crowdfunded on Zaar CIRQUE du Soleil at Sea is a unique entertainment concept created by MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately owned cruise line, and Cirque du Soleil, the world leader in live enter- tainment. In March 2019, two brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, SYMA and VAR- ÉLIA, launched on board MSC Cruises' new flagship, MSC Bel- lissima. The leading cruise line has revealed details of the in- spiration and creative process behind these two original new shows along with the exclusive first images of the spectacular performances. Every element of each new Cirque du Soleil at Sea show is unique from the concept and storyline, the characters, the costumes and make-up through to the music, staging and sound effects. The concepts are first developed by the experienced and talented creative team based at Cirque du Soleil's inter- national headquarters in Mon- treal, Canada. Following a rigorous casting process and intensive ideation workshops, the shows are then refined and brought to life on board the ship in the custom- built entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, designed to meet the specific needs of Cirque du Soleil. The long-term partnership will result in eight original shows that can only be seen on board the Meraviglia class ships. Each ship will offer two brand new contrasting shows to deliver a truly unique and intimate expe- rience for MSC Cruises guests. SYMA is a fantastical odys- sey into the heart of an imagi- nary world, and the search for a mysterious island inhabited by phantasmagorical creatures. The guests on board MSC Bel- lissima are embarking on a journey of discovery, just like the main character of the show. Immersive video images, an original set design, biolumines- cent lighting and acrobatic feats make SYMA an unforgettable show. VARÉLIA is a tale of modern chivalry where love and cour- age triumph over the greatest divides. A mediaeval tale with a futuristic twist, VARÉLIA fol- lows a classic story arc in a car- toonesque world which adds a humoristic touch. Audiences will delight in the acrobatic feats, the laser show and the unique set design. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR in June 2017 and recently celebrated the 1,000th performance on board., Work is already underway for the next shows for MSC Gran- diosa, that will launch in No- vember 2019. Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd. of 4, St. Publius Street, Floriana are the exclusive General Sales Agents for MSC in the Maltese Islands. For further information, please call on 21241292 or www. hamiltontravel.com.mt. MSC Cruises reveals creative process behind the Cirque du Soleil at sea shows aboard MSC Bellissima The organisation is crowdfunding to raise €10,000 so it can achieve its goal Every element of each new Cirque du Soleil at Sea show is unique