Watch: Ħamrun Ħanin collect €15,000 in aid of Guide Dog project

Process underway to identify a person to receive a guide dog

Ħamrun Ħanin, the social arm of Ħamrun Spartans, has managed to collect the sum of €15,000 from its main initiative for the 2024-25 season and reach its objective of raising enough funds to buy a guide dog for a person with visual impairment.

This is the latest of initiatives completed by Ħamrun Ħanin, who over recent years has worked hard to provide some comfort to various people in the community who are suffering from various conditions or social problems.

In 2024, Ħamrun Ħanin collected funds so that a Multi-Sensory Room is installed for autistic children and their families while this year it was the turn of the visual impaired community to benefit from the initiative of the NGO.

This year’s campaign reached its climax during the FA Trophy semi-final between Ħamrun Spartans and Hibernians, played in the second week of May.

A limited-edition Ħamrun Spartans jersey was specially designed and worn by Ħamrun Spartans players during the semi-final match.

These exclusive kits were signed by the players and were put up for auction, with all proceeds going towards this noble cause. Supporter t-shirts were sold to Ħamrun Spartans fans and other football lovers to raise further funds.

“We are truly proud and grateful to see so many people come together for this cause – not just players, staff, and our passionate supporters, but also local businesses, band clubs and individuals – even beyond Ħamrun,” Ian Debattista, chairman of Ħamrun Ħanin told The Times of  Malta.

“This initiative united the community in a remarkable way and helped shine a light on the challenges faced by people with visual impairment, while also recognising their strength and ability to contribute fully to society.

“Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we’ve reached our goal – and more importantly, we have shown once again what can be achieved when football stands for something greater than the game.”

Debattista said that now the second phase of the campaign will get underway as the Malta Guide Dog Foundation will identify a person who immediately needs a guide dog shortly.

“Once the person is selected, he will be sent abroad to be assessed on whether he qualifies to have a guide dog. Once he passes this part, another process will get underway where they try and find a dog that matches the needs of the visually impaired person.”

On his part, Joe Stafrace, chairman of the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation, could not hide his satisfaction at seeing this initiative completed successfully.

“This initiative was a new experience for me as it was the first time that a football team was involved in this venture to buy a guide dog and sent a very strong message as we found two factors, sport and the guide dogs and we united them so that we provide a better quality of life for a visually impaired person,” Joe Stafrace said.

“I hope that other football teams will follow the example of Ħamrun Spartans, as it is important to maintain the spirit of solidarity in our community.”