The SiGMA Foundation held its inaugural telethon on July 5, with total pledges reaching €229,989 ($262,187).
The 12-hour broadcast, titled Together We Can, brought together donors, volunteers, business representatives, and public figures from across Malta to support humanitarian projects in several countries.
The program aired from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on TVM, ONE, NET TV and Xejk. During the broadcast, hosts interviewed beneficiaries, volunteers, expedition participants and project leaders connected to the Foundation’s work.
Segments covered initiatives in Uganda, Guatemala, Peru, Ethiopia, Brazil and the Philippines. The projects span school construction and expansion, health care services, clean water access, disability support, women’s empowerment programs and community development efforts. Donation totals were updated at intervals throughout the day as pledges came in from viewers.
Corporate pledges add to public contributions
Members of parliament, business leaders, athletes and volunteers appeared on the broadcast to encourage donations. SiGMA World contributed €50,000 ($57,000) to the total through a corporate pledge in support of the Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives.
Donations were collected through telephone pledges, SMS contributions and corporate sponsorships. The telethon marked the first time the Foundation has run a national fundraising broadcast of this scale.
The Foundation stated that the €229,989 raised will go toward programs addressing health care, education, clean water and community development in the countries where it operates. Foundation representatives described the event as a step in building longer-term funding for its international projects.