The Maltese are known to have hearts of gold when it comes to charity, and a recent survey proves just that. The Eurobarometer survey looked at financial charitable contributions within all the EU member states, and the results show that the Maltese are among those who are more likely to donate to NGOs and charities (as well as directly to projects), than the majority of other European countries.

The survey reveals that there are only three European countries in which at least half of those surveyed give money to an organisation: the Netherlands (57 per cent), Sweden (54 per cent), and Malta (50 per cent). It concluded that Malta is among the most favourable when it comes to providing help for developing countries.

And really, we're not surprised. Every year on Boxing Day, the televised annual collection L-Istrina in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund - a 12-hour variety show with well-known local personalities transforming into performers for the day - sees companies and citizens donate sums of money to the cause, and last year even broke its own record, collecting over €6 million! This year’s event will be the 20th edition of L-Istrina.

Another regular fundraiser is a New Year’s Day event in aid of Dar tal-Providenza, an organisation that funds homes for people with disabilities. And besides these events, many locals also take the time to volunteer at shelters, homes, orphanages, and even travel abroad to help those in need.

The next fundraising event to happen on the islands is the 10th edition of the President's Solidarity Fun Run, which will be held on Sunday 4th November, also in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. Will you be joining in?