The Convenience Shop Group, through one of its Founders and Directors Ivan Calleja, has demonstrated its commitment to community welfare and arts education by presenting a donation of €15,000 to The Malta Trust Foundation. The donation was made in support of the Villabianca project, an initiative established by The Malta Trust Foundation, aimed at providing Music Therapy to children and young people with disabilities who have limited access to such artistic experiences.
The donation, presented to Her Excellency Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Chairperson of The Malta Trust Foundation, in the presence of Andrew Attard, Executive Assistant to the Directors of The Convenience Shop, coincided with a personal milestone for Mr Calleja, as he celebrated his 52nd birthday on the day of the presentation.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. Calleja stated, “The Convenience Shop is deeply committed to supporting community initiatives that enrich the lives of young people and foster artistic expression. We are proud to pledge regular yearly donations towards The Malta Trust Foundation, and we are particularly pleased to contribute towards music therapy through the Villabianca project.”
The Malta Trust Foundation focuses on four main thematic areas of activity: Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Formal and Non-Formal Education, and Youth Participation and Empowerment. Through innovative and collaborative empowerment programs, the Foundation ensures the effective utilisation of funds while monitoring and evaluating initiatives to measure impact.
The Villabianca Centre for Music and the Arts in Santa Venera, established under the umbrella of The Malta Trust Foundation, is a specialised centre that is currently providing Music Therapy, Adapted Music Learning and group opportunities to children and young people with disabilities between the ages of 5 and 35. From children with Down Syndrome to those on the autism spectrum and visually impaired children, the school offers specialized music therapy tailored to individual needs. Drawing on the expertise of music therapists, the centre helps children express themselves through music, with the belief that all children have a right to culture and access to music and the arts.
Speaking about the Villabianca project, Her Excellency, Marie-Coleiro Coleiro Preca expressed her gratitude for the generous contribution from The Convenience Shop Group, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on enhancing the lives of children and young people with disability through music therapy.
For more information about The Convenience Shop, including its community-driven initiatives, one can visit www.theconvenienceshop.com.