Watch: Ħamrun Spartans launch Guide Dog fundraising campaign

Spartans players to wear unique shirt in Trophy semi-final against Hibernians

Ħamrun Ħanin, the social arm of Ħamrun Spartans, has launched its main social initiative for the season, with the objective of raising funds aimed at purchasing a guide dog for a person with visual impairment.

The campaign, unveiled on Wednesday on International Guide Dogs Day, will reach its climax with the FA Trophy semi-final against Hibernians, scheduled for the second week of May.

As part of the campaign, being organised together with the Malta Guide Dog Foundation, a limited-edition Ħamrun Spartans jersey has been specially designed and will be worn during the semi-final match.

These exclusive kits, signed by the players, will be auctioned online with all proceeds going towards this noble cause. Supporter t-shirts will also be made available to raise further funds.

Details of this initiative were provided by Ian Debattista, Ħamrun Ħanin chairman, during a press conference held on Wednesday.

“Once again, we are mobilising the Ħamrun football community – including players, technical staff, committee members, volunteers and our wide and passionate fan base – to come together for a just cause, through which we can once again make a difference in the life of a person”, Debattista said.

“A single guide dog represents a life-changing companion and a trusted partner for life – yet comes at a cost exceeding €15,000. Over 1,600 people in Malta live with visual impairment, and this initiative seeks to bring new hope to at least one of them.”.

Debattista also thanked Hibernians FC for their support in accommodating this initiative, including their willingness to change their own kit colours so that Hamrun Spartans could wear the specially designed jersey.

Ħamrun Spartans vice-president Gejtu Debattista emphasised the importance of using football not just as a competitive sport, but as a powerful platform for social good.

“We want to lead not just on the pitch, but also in the community,” he said.

“The fact that this event is being launched a few hours before a crunch Malta Premier match demonstrates that for us our social commitment is a true and genuine one, and rises above any sporting considerations.”

Ħamrun winger  Joseph Mbong echoed this sentiment, encouraging fans and the wider public to support the cause. “Through this initiative, we can give someone the gift of independence, dignity and the ability to live a better life.”

Joseph Stafrace, chairman of the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation added: “The Malta Guide Dogs Foundation thanks Ħamrun Ħanin for this generous initiative. The funds raised will go to enable MGDF to provide free services to people with visual impairment, including training in orientation and mobility as well as the purchase of guide dogs from foreign schools and their matching with local clients.

“A guide dog changes the life of a visually-impaired person as it provides him with the independence necessary to lead a normal life as he can go to work, go out for lunch and many other things.”

The initiative is supported by Alberta Group, the main sponsor of Ħamrun Ħanin.