The HSBC Malta Foundation marked International Men’s Day on Tuesday with an initiative to support vulnerable men across the islands.

The initiative saw the foundation collaborating with nine local schools and HSBC Malta employees to collect essential care items, including unused toiletries and hygiene products. These were distributed to nine NGOs that work directly with men facing hardship.

The nine schools are St Augustine College, Stella Maris College, De La Salle College and Chaplaincy, St Monica School Birkirkara, Kirkop Middle School, St Paul’s Missionary College, the Wardija Resource Centre, St Francis School (Gozo) and St Joseph Mater Boni Consilii School.

The collection drive culminated in a ceremony held at HSBC Malta’s headquarters, where representatives from the participating NGOs gathered to celebrate the spirit of the occasion. The event shed light on addressing specific challenges faced by men in the community.

HSBC Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte commented that by engaging with local schools and NGOs, HSBC Malta aims to foster a sense of shared responsibility and care for those who need it most.

“International Men’s Day is a time to reflect on the challenges faced by men, and we’re proud to play a part in helping address these issues,” he reflected.

This initiative aligns with HSBC Malta Foundation’s efforts to support the community, emphasising that corporate responsibility extends beyond business goals, encompassing broader efforts to uplift and empower the communities it serves.

The NGOs who benefitted from this initiative included: YMCA, Building Bridges, The Richmond Foundation, Sedqa Centru St Maria, the Migrants Commission, Dar Papa Frangsiku, St Jean Antide Foundation, ALS Malta and the Soup Kitchen in Valletta.

Anthony Camilleri on behalf of YMCA expressed gratitude and appreciation to those who helped YMCA Malta’s cause.

“Your support will increase our capacity to give hope and assistance to service users who benefit from the services delivered by YMCA Malta. Your continuous support, together with that of organisations, individuals, and companies, will determine the success of our programmes and services, which are provided to individuals and families whom we encounter on a daily basis,” he added.

YMCA Malta is an NGO and voluntary organisation that relies on fundraising, charity, and donations in order to continue giving its service to persons and families, including children who experience homelessness and youths from different walks of life.

“Your donation motivates and encourages us to strive for a more just society. Your support is invaluable and helps us further develop the services required by vulnerable communities,” Mr Camilleri concluded.