Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513668
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 DECEMBER 2023 10 COMMERCIAL Communication part of LifeCycle success RELIABLE international com- munication proved to be inval- uable for a determined team of 18 cyclists from Malta who navigated remote routes in Thailand and Malaysia. Melita Ltd provided SIM cards for all participants in this year's gruelling LifeCycle chal- lenge. The free international roaming data and SMS meant the team could navigate and keep in touch even from the most isolated areas in South- east Asia. The team started their jour- ney from Bangkok on Novem- ber 26 and arrived in Kuala Lumpur just 10 days later, cy- cling 2,000 km through humid conditions and tricky terrain. LifeCycle Foundation rep- resentative Joe Aquilina said: "The challenge was anything but easy and we experienced severe weather conditions which made the effort even more challenging. Melita gave us peace of mind, keeping the group connected all the time. "During the day the group ex- tends over roughly 40 km from the first cyclist to the last so communication is vital for our back-up team and for each cy- clist in case they need to call in help. And on top we managed to remain in touch with our loved ones all the time." The LifeCycle (Malta) Foun- dation has raised over €3.2 mil- lion since its inception in 1999, with its fundraising efforts be- ing centred around the LifeCy- cle Challenge. Now in its 23rd edition, the funds raised through the chal- lenge have tangibly improved the quality of life of renal pa- tients for more than two dec- ades. The funds have been invest- ed in various projects and in- itiatives including the TRAC- CIA Software Support System, which is the software used at Mater Dei Hospital's Renal Unit for the matching of kidney donors with medically compat- ible transplant candidates. Donations to the LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation can be giv- en via Revolut on 9932 9101, by PayPal, by SMS on 5061 7370 for (€2.33), 5061 8920 (€6.99); 5061 9229 (€11.65); or by call- ing 5160 2020 (€10); 5170 2005 (€15); or 5180 2006 (€25). Donations can also be made through bank trans- fers via Swift code VALL- MTMT, IBAN MT 18 VALL 2 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 8 1 4 5 2 1 0 1 7 , Bank of Valletta, account num- ber 14814521017. APS Bank Christmas video focuses on rekindling life stories THE APS Bank 2023 Christmas vid- eo captures the joy of rekindling life stories together. Its narrative builds around a man navigating the pro- found loss of his partner and portrays the transformative power of commu- nit y, as friends and neighbours come together to uplift his spirits. The pro- tagonist seizes the opportunit y to spread Christmas cheer by sharing his musical talents, creating a heart- warming atmosphere for his guests. This message of resilience and com- munal support unfolds with each scene, highlighting the spirit of to- getherness that defines the festive season. The video is currently airing across national television, the Bank's social media channels, and digital screens throughout the branch net- work for the month of December. Rachael Blackburn, Head of Culture at APS Bank, commented, "This year, the Bank's Christmas message is a cel- ebration of unity, serving as a poign- ant reminder that small acts of kind- ness can have a profound and lasting impact on both the giver and the re- ceiver. We also wanted to honour and celebrate the rich talents, stories, and contributions of the older members of our communities, who have invaluable experiences and wisdom to share with us all." HSBC Malta Foundation's Christmas Initiative brings essential support IN yet another demonstration of com- munity spirit and holiday generosity, the HSBC Malta Foundation converted the bank's executive boardroom in a stag- ing area to successfully coordinate this Christmas initiative, thus bringing es- sential support and festive cheer to those in need. Collaborating with 34 non-gov- ernmental organizations (NGOs) across Malta, the Foundation has ensured that the joy and warmth of the festive season reach many, particularly those who are most vulnerable. This year's initiative, larger and more encompassing than ever, involved the col- lection and distribution of a diverse range of items. The donations spanned from ba- sic necessities such as food and personal care items to more specific requests like children's gifts and educational materi- als. This variety not only addressed the immediate needs of the beneficiaries but also added a special touch of Christmas joy, especially for children who deserve to experience the magic of the season. The collective effort of HSBC employ- ees, alongside contributions from some of our top clients and various local schools was a testament to the power of commu- nity involvement. The initiative saw re- markable acts of generosity. Throughout the initiative, the Founda- tion maintained a focus on not just meet- ing the physical needs of the recipients but also uplifting their spirits during the holiday season. The HSBC Malta Foundation's Christ- mas initiative stands as a shining example of the community and solidarity achiev- able when individuals and organizations unite to make a positive difference during the festive season.