Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542124
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 DECEMBER 2025 NEWS 22nd edition of the L-ISTRINA BOV Piggy Bank campaign reaches final stages THE L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign has reached a key milestone, as the President of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, officially commenced the donation counting process at Bank of Valletta's Head Of- fice. This symbolic event marks the final stages of the 22nd edi- tion of this campaign that sees school children from across Malta and Gozo as its protago- nists. President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono was welcomed at BOV Centre by Bank of Val- letta Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia and Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Of- ficer and Deputy Chair of the BOV Foundation, along with other members of the Bank's Executive Committee. Since its inception, the campaign has united thousands of children in a simple but powerful act of generosity. They donate a little of their savings or pocket mon- ey to those in need. Every child's contribution is supplemented through an additional donation by the Bank. Since the initia- tive was first launched in 2004, Bank of Valletta has contributed well over €3.4 million to L-ist- rina, combining funds collect- ed through the campaign with those directly donated by the Bank. Addressing those present, Spi- teri Debono thanked the man- agement of Bank of Valletta for its continuous support through- out the year, including during the L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign. She also acknowl- edged the altruism and com- mitment of the Bank's employ- ees, who every year voluntarily dedicate their time to assist in the process of counting dona- tions collected from children in schools. The President also praised the Bank's commitment to assisting various non-gov- ernmental organisations that support people in difficulty, as well as its contribution to the cultural and artistic sphere in our country. Kenneth Farrugia emphasised that, "Every dona- tion collected through the BOV Piggy Bank Campaign carries a message of altruism, care and solidarity. Over the years, this initiative has shown how chil- dren can lead with generosity, with Bank of Valletta playing its part through additional fi- nancial contributions. We are proud to team up with schools across Malta and Gozo as we collectively continue to build a culture of giving in support of L-istrina's mission year after year." Ernest Agius added, "This campaign, supported by the BOV Foundation, is not on- ly about fundraising, but more importantly, it is about shaping values. By involving children from a young age, we are nur- turing altruism, empathy and a sense of responsibility towards others. We look forward to the final total being announced dur- ing L-istrina on 26 December and, once again, making a mean- ingful difference in the lives of those who need support most." Highlighting the dedication be- hind the scenes, Ernest Agius explained how, "This occasion also serves to shine a light on the spirit of volunteering within the Bank. Our employees dedicate their time and energy to support the donation counting process through our volunteering pro- gramme, and we are proud to see their efforts make such an important and impactful con- tribution to the success of this campaign." With the donation-count- ing process underway, the final amount collected by schoolchil- dren will be revealed during the live L-istrina broadcast. This year, President Myriam Spiteri Debono visited 21 state, church, and private schools as part of the L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign. Addressing those present, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono thanked the management of Bank of Valletta for its continuous support throughout the year, including during the L-istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign Rangers document ongoing night trapping in Malta and Gozo THE Malta Ranger Unit said it has documented repeated cases of illegal night time bird trap- ping in both Malta and Gozo following patrols carried out over several nights. In a statement, the MRU said it will compile a detailed report in January, which will also be forwarded to European enti- ties. The rangers said the lack of a persistent Environmental Protection Unit police pres- ence during late evenings and at night continues to allow of- fenders to act with impunity. They added that Gozo still has no trained EPU officers operat- ing during these hours. The MRU said video footage obtained by its rangers shows what it described as night time trapping of golden plover using illegal electronic callers played at full volume near a residential area. The unit said that, in Mal- ta, rangers can only document such incidents and report them to EPU police once officers re- sume duty during the daytime. In Gozo, the situation is more problematic, the MRU said, with enforcement often failing because offenders leave the ar- ea before police arrive. The rangers also criticised what they described as a lack of resources dedicated to envi- ronmental protection, calling on Ministers Clint Camilleri and Miriam Dalli to address the issue. The MRU said protected areas are "far from protected," warning that wildlife popula- tions are declining while impu- nity for offenders is increasing. The unit said that while envi- ronmental protection units in other European countries are equipped with adequate mon- itoring equipment, manpower and political support, Malta remains with minimal tools to combat poaching. The MRU said it has for years called for increased resources and manpower for the Envi- ronment Police, but its appeals have been ignored. "It's not even on the agenda," the unit said. Despite its criticism, the Mal- ta Ranger Unit thanked En- vironmental Protection Unit police officers for their work, saying they operate in a highly frustrating environment with limited resources. The MRU said it hopes officers will be provided with the necessary support and manpower in the near future. Footage recorded by the Malta Ranger Unit showing alleged illegal night time trapping activity