FIMBank presents donation to MGDF as it bids its President farewell

02.01.2015

The Malta Guide

Dogs Foundation (MGDF) received a substantial donation from FIMBank's employees last Monday as the company bade farewell to its outgoing President Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger during a ceremony at their head offices in Mercury Tower, St. Julian's.

FIMBank Chairman Dr John C. Grech said that the money was collected for the MGDF from among the bank's 200 staff based in Malta during the year, and Ms Lütschg-Emmenegger had personally doubled the amount donated. Dr Grech thanked Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger for her decisive contribution to FIMBank's success during the term of her tenure. He added that Ms Lütschg-Emmenegger's extensive expertise would continue to be tapped by the Bank in her new role as advisor.

"We take our corporate social responsibility very seriously, and as a Malta-based financial institution, we are particularly sensitive to the needs of those members of the local community who have special needs", said Dr Grech.

"As is our tradition at FIMBank, every year the money collected by the Bank is directed towards a very worthy cause. This year we have decided to make our donation to the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation," he explained. Ms Lütschg-Emmenegger took the opportunity to express her gratitude to all FIMBank staff members, who, she said, for the past twelve years had been like a family to her. "I hope to stay in touch and to continue to be proud of you, and to see you work hard to take the bank to the next level." She also thanked them  for their generosity and pointed out that this is the fifth year that the sums collected by FIMBank staff have been donated to a worthy cause."This year we have decided to support the work of the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation, as a token of appreciation for and admiration of the important work which its dogs carry out for their owners to have a healthy and comfortable life."

MGDF Chairman Leone Sciberras thanked the Bank and its employees for the generous donation and looked forward to further co-operation with FIMBank in the years to come. "Many adults who become visually impaired, and who may have a career and a family, lose their jobs due to a lack of rehabilitation training," he pointed out. "These vary from basic skills, such as mobility and orientation, to independent living and general communication skills. "It is for this reason that the Foundation plans to build a Rehabilitation Centre in Ta' Qali that will enable us to offer more free services, including the training and exercise of guide dogs, independent living and other rehabilitation training."

Among those who attended the presentation ceremony were Ms Lütschg-Emmenegger's husband Mr Serge Lütschg, Mrs Anne Grech, Trustees and clients of the Foundation, as well as several guide dogs, including one of the puppies, Justie, that is being raised by a local family.

 

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