Malta Community Chest Fund

About:

The history of the Malta Community Chest Fund dates back to the Governing era of Major Robert Laycock who began organising the Ball of the August Moon in order to collect funds towards the Malta Playing Fields Association. The ball was organised for the first time round about 1958 and it became an integral part of the yearly calendar even under the reign of Governor Sir Guy Grantham and Governor Sir Maurice Dorman.

Under the Governance of Sir Maurice Dorman, various philantropic institutions were against the fact that the funds were always devolved to the Malta Playing Fields Association. Consequently, Sir Maurice Dorman, decided to create a 'charity chest' from which funds various institutions could benefit from. The Ball of the August Moon gathered funds towards this 'charity chest'.

The first President of Malta, Sir Anthony Mamo Kt.Bach., LL.D, continued organising the Ball of the August Moon on a regular basis. It was at this time when this 'charity chest' was given the name of Community Chest Fund. The basic concept was kept at the same level - helping organisations and individuals in need. The first chairperson of the Community Chest Fund was Lady Mamo and after her was Mrs. Buttigieg, during the Presidency of H.E. Doctor Anton Buttigieg. It was regulated by a statute that the Chairperson of the Community Chest Fund was to be the wife of the President of Malta. During the Presidency of H.E. Agatha Barbara, the chairperson role was the responsability of the President of the Republic. This rule maintained its effect under the Presidency of H.E. Doctor Censu Tabone, H.E. Doctor Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, H.E. Profs. Guido De Marco and H.E. Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami.

Other chairpersons were Mrs. Maryrose Hyzler between 1981 and 1982, wife of the President ad iterim Doctor Albert Hyzler and Doctor Paul Xuereb, Agent President, who was chairperson between 1987 and 1989.

As time went by, the Community Chest Fund was given the name of Malta Community Chest Fund as we know it today.

H.E.Dr.Eddie Fenech Adami

The everyday running of the Malta Community Chest Fund is taken care of by Mrs. Mary Fenech Adami. She co-ordinates the activities launched and guides the respective committees that are setup for this aim.