A Gozo SPCA project funded by the Voluntary Organizations Project Scheme (VOPS) of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) was inaugurated, which consists of the supply of two new vans for the SPCA in Gozo.
The Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia and the CEO of MCVS Mauro Pace Parascandolo were present for the inauguration of these vans.
These vans aim to be used as the main vehicles of the association by the volunteers for various reasons. Mainly they will deliver animals to and from appointments with the vets, in order to collect items donated to the association, so that the association can feed stray cats as part of the services it offers and even for the rescue of lost or abandoned animals.
During the visit, Minister Julia Farrugia explained how the government will continue to support voluntary organizations throughout the coming year. “The projects and commitment of the Gozo SPCA are commendable. Their contribution to our community and the animals is invaluable, and that is why we have taken concrete initiatives to help them as a government work with more resources and effectiveness, to them and to the rest of the voluntary organizations in our country.”
“Beyond the financial investment, for the year 2025 we are working in favor of the creation of the first Voluntary Bank in our country. This is another initiative that reflects how much as a government we believe in the importance of volunteering, while it will help voluntary organizations find more volunteers. I look forward to see the implementation of the measures that came out of the 2025 Budget to make sure that the voluntary associations remain an essential part of the Maltese social fabric,” concluded the minister.
Mark Thorogood, manager of the Gozo SPCA centre, said that, “Our mission is to help the abandoned cats and dogs of Gozo, whether they are strays or animals whose owner can no longer keep them. We rescue and rehome approximately 250 animals each year. It is also worth mentioning that the vans, which help us both in rescuing animals and in collecting funds, will also be used by the Goztian branch of the Nature Trust. Gozo SPCA is very grateful to MCVS for their generous support which allows us to continue helping the animals of Gozo.”
In a comment during the visit, Mauro Pace Parascandalo thanked the association and particularly the volunteers for all the work they do. “The council is always there to give support, both as funds with the various schemes and also as training and other help with the increasing services of the council.”
Photo (MIV)
