Volunteers Of The Order - VOTO Malta

27/05/2026

Last Thursday, volunteers of the Order came together to celebrate much commaraderie and yet another rewarding time in Lourdes where old friendships were renewed and new friendships were forged. Experiences were shared over a delicious BBQ prepared by the Medea Restaurant at the Salini Resort accompanied by a glass of wine or two. It was a delightful summer’s evening surrounded by many happy faces.

The evening drew to a close with a fundraising raffle and many lovely prizes. Thanks and praise were given to our many supportive sponsors whilst the President of the Order, Michael Grech, was presented with a cheque from money raised specifically for the Order’s next Pilgrimage to Ta’ Pinu, Gozo.

07/05/2026

Our time in Lourdes is always a deeply special part of the year, a moment to connect, share experiences and come together to help those in need. Social media speaks volumes about the time we spent together.

This year, Krista Firman kindly gave her time to support volunteers by delivering a refresher course in patient handling. The session took place on Monday 27th April, just ahead of everyone’s departure to Lourdes.

Krista highlighted the importance of bed mobility, including how to safely assist a patient from a lying position to sitting on the edge of the bed. She also demonstrated effective techniques for transfers from bed to chair, wheelchair and commode, while emphasising essential safety precautions throughout.

Our Pilgrimage to Lourdes brought together another wonderful experience for patients and pilgrims alike.

02/04/2026

On Tuesday Night, VOTO volunteers and friends gathered with Mgr Brendan Gatt at the Ibragg Parish Church for a meaningful Lenten talk filled with reflection and inspiration.

One phrase that truly resonated with everyone present was: “Jesus, my thirst.” Rooted in the spirituality inspired by Mother Teresa, this expression reminds us that our service goes beyond simple acts of charity. It becomes a personal response to Jesus’ words on the cross - “I thirst” (John 19:28).

As volunteers, we are called to quench this thirst, not with water but with love, compassion and service to the poor and vulnerable.

We may plant seeds that go unnoticed, but through generosity and love, we give life in ways that truly matter.

After the Lenten Talk, Simon Mamo very kindly hosted everyone to a most enjoyable evening at Drift, where food and drinks were shared by all. It truly was a wonderful way to witness the spirit of fellowship and community. We would also like to thank Dee Spas for our beautiful raffle prizes and spa vouchers.

All funds raised were in Aid of the MASMOM & VOTO Pilgrimages to Ta’Pinu - Gozo.

The Committee would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us and for the generosity shown throughout the evening. Your presence and support made the occasion even more special.

21/03/2026

On the 21st March, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, a day to raise awareness.

We invited Andrea Walzing to share a reflection for World Down Syndrome Day, to talk about her Prince Max, one of VOTO’s Volunteers.

21st March marks Trisomy 21 (21:3). But that’s where the similarities end - every person with Down Syndrome is unique. Max is 16, and like many in our community, he’s taught me this: happiness isn’t of itself, the end goal - purpose is.

The hardest part for families like ours are not our children, but the barriers and lack of opportunity placed in front of them. And yet, when people truly know individuals with Down Syndrome, they don’t just love them - they are changed by them. Max didn’t just change our lives - he changed what we see, what we value, and what we will no longer stay silent about. He gave us purpose.

So thank you to those creating opportunities - for Max and for others like him - to serve, connect, reach their potential and bring joy.

If I had one wish, it would be this: that those in power do more to support people of mixed ability to fulfil their potential.

In the interim I would like to wish Max and the rest of the Down Syndrome Community a very Happy World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Do rock your socks in support of this delightful community.

Thank you

Andrea ###

13/03/2026

Thanks to the support of Brigida Arrigo and Mariella Zarb, the 17th card party was successfully held at Villa Arrigo, bringing together a number of card-playing enthusiasts, all in aid of VOTO’s Children’s Programme to Lourdes.

The event was a great success and would not have been possible without the generosity of all those who attended and those who supported it. Special thanks go to Villa Arrigo and their staff, everyone who sponsored raffle prizes and set up stalls, our army of bakers, and our team of Volunteers who made it all happen.

A very special thank you goes to the family who kindly shared their experience in Lourdes last year. It is stories like theirs that validate VOTO’s purpose whilst inspiring VOTO’s Volunteers to work tirelessly to give families the support and opportunity to enjoy such a meaningful experience.

27/02/2026

Last year, VOTO began a series of trips around the world with a successfull Spanish Evening at AYU. This year, VOTO travelled to Italy in partnership with Farsonsdirect who hosted a memorable evening of wine tasting in support of VOTO.

Guests enjoyed a welcoming glass of prosecco before sampling a curated selection of fine white and red wines. The event provided a relaxed atmosphere, bringing people together to support a worthy cause while savouring exceptional wines.

We thank all those who joined us, or sent donations, for your continued support.

24/02/2026

We kicked off the year in style with a fantastic ladies' night at Vecchia Napoli. It was a wonderful evening spent building relationships, enjoying delicious food and lots of laughter. Everyone had a great time, making it the perfect way to start the year on a positive note. Looking forward to many more memorable events ahead.

04/12/2025

Best of luck Doris Aquilina!

🎉 We’re going LIVE! 🎉

Join us for the National Volunteer Award 2025 ceremony, streaming live on the MCVS page this evening, Thursday, 4th December at 7:30pm!

Let’s celebrate the incredible volunteers who make a difference every day. ❤️🙌

👉 Tune in here: https://www.facebook.com/MaltaCouncilVoluntarySector

Inklużjoni

04/12/2025

We’re proud to share that Doris Aquilina has been nominated and shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year Award with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector!

Doris is an exceptionally devoted volunteer who always goes the extra mile to help others, and she never misses a chance to capture all the special moments during our VOTO events. It’s great to see her commitment recognised.

For anyone who would like to watch the livestream tonight at 19:30hrs, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cif2jEYDG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Wishing her the very best of luck tonight — we’re all rooting for you, Doris!

20/10/2025

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOrHHvoiKDU/?img_index=3&igsh=MTRhbm1xY256bmIxdQ==