Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528582
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 OCTOBER 2024 11 COMMERCIAL Help Malta's first responders gear up for disaster THE Canine Search and Res- cue Team, a voluntary Maltese Association of the Order of Malta (VO 1885), has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Zaar to support DecEx 2024, an ambitious disaster simula- tion and training exercise. Set to take place from 12–16 December, DecEx 2024 aims to enhance the capabilities of Malta's first responders fol- lowing disaster scenarios such as earthquakes, focusing on their immediate Assessment, Search, and Rescue (ASR) ef- forts per guidelines from the United Nations' International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). DecEx 2024 will bring togeth- er Malta's law enforcement, voluntary organisations and private companies that spe- cialise in search and rescue efforts to collaborate on tack- ling a local disaster, including the Armed Forces of Malta, the Malta Police Force and the Civil Protection Department, alongside international rescue teams from Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Crete, Romania and Bulgaria. Over four days, hundreds of participants will engage in simulated search and rescue exercises, surface-level operations and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training, to ensure a robust, well-coordi- nated disaster response across Malta and beyond. To make this crucial event a reality, the team has launched the Zaar crowdfunding cam- paign to raise €4,000 to cover essentials such as accommoda- tion and transport for foreign participants, PPE for volun- teers, portable toilets, simula- tion materials, medical equip- ment and media support. The event is also expected to receive coverage from leading media channels, who will share highlights and updates across their social media platforms and news portals, underlining the important work of Malta's first responders and the spon- sors who support this initia- tive. Backers of the campaign will receive public recogni- tion, with logos and materials prominently displayed at the event site and across social me- dia. Corporate sponsors who donate €2,000 will see their branding featured on event T-shirts, photography and key announcements, while basic sponsors contributing €250 will enjoy exposure across so- cial media and promotional materials. Support Malta's disaster re- sponse by donating to the De- cEx 2024 – Disaster Simula- tion and Training December Exercise crowdfunding cam- paign at www.zaar.com.mt. The Phoenicia Malta wins top international awards THE Phoenicia Malta has received the lat- est in its long list of awards at two of the world's most distinguished hospitality award ceremonies, further solidifying its status as a leading luxury hotel and land- mark of Maltese heritage. On 17 October, The Phoenicia Malta's Hotel Manager Silvan Camilleri and PR & Marketing Manager Christine Darma- nin attended the IPAX Europe & Africa summit at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in London, UK. At the prestigious networking event, the hotel al- so learnt of its success in the International Hotel Awards, which determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world. Recognised for its exceptional standards, The Phoenicia Malta received three awards in the Best Classic/Heritage Hotel, Best Spa Hotel and Best Large Luxury Hotel catego- ries, following a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of more than a hundred industry experts chaired by mem- bers of the House of Lords in the UK Par- liament, which focused on service delivery, design, quality, innovation and commit- ment to sustainability. The Phoenicia Malta's beloved Brand Ambassador Neville Juan Cardona attend- ed the highly anticipated World Luxury Hotel Awards in Galgorm, Ireland, on 19 October. The World Luxury Hotel Awards celebrate the best in luxury hospitality, with a focus on properties that excel in service, guest satisfaction and overall experience. Winning awards for Malta in three sep- arate categories – Luxury Heritage Hotel, Luxury Spa Hotel and Luxury Urban Ho- tel – The Phoenicia Malta's longstanding commitment to excellence in hospitality and guest experience once again took cen- tre stage at the event, with public voting playing a significant role in the awards pro- cess. For reservations or more information, visit www.phoeniciamalta.com. Discover the world through textiles at NWAMI International Malta's 'Patterns of the World: Textiles & Culture' NWAMI International Malta (NIM) invites the public to embark on a cul- tural journey through the beautiful and intricate world of textiles at its Novem- ber Culture Cafe titled Patterns of the World: Textiles & Culture. This engag- ing, hands-on event will take place on Saturday, 16th November at 10:30am at Ta' Detta, Valletta Waterfront. Led by Jane Paton, Head of NIM's Cul- ture and Community Unit, the event will explore the deep cultural, historical, and symbolic significance of textile patterns from around the globe. From vibrant embroidery to symbolic weaves, each pattern tells a story of tradition, identity, and geography. Participants are encour- aged to bring their own textiles—wheth- er cherished family heirlooms, unique designs from their homeland, or person- al pieces with cultural significance—to share and enrich the collective storytell- ing experience. This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to connect through textiles, bringing people from various back- grounds together to celebrate shared heritage through fabric. Whether you are an enthusiast, an artist, or someone curious about the cultural stories behind patterns, this event will immerse you in the rich world of textile artistry. For more information and to reserve a place visit https://nwamiinterna- tional-malta.org/product/culture-ca- fe-patterns-of-the-world-textiles-cul- ture/. Attendees will be asked to make a contribution of €15 to cover the costs of organising the event.