malcolm j naudi
communications

The Malta Guide Dogs Foundation, one of the corporate social responsibility projects at MJN Communications, hosted His Most Eminent Highness, Fra’ Matthew Festing, Grand Master of Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (SMOM), during his state visit to Malta in April, 2015.

The Grand Master, accompanied by Foreign Minister George Vella, was welcomed by MGDF Chairman Leone Sciberras and PRO Malcolm J. Naudi. He was introduced to the MGDF Council and then listened to a number of speeches and presentations in which the support of SMOM for the MGDF was highlighted.

Mr Sciberras said that, since 2012, when SMOM started supporting the MGDF with its highly valuable contributions, four owners received guide dogs that were trained in Sicily. Two of these were raised in families in Malta. A further two were brought to Malta already trained. Three puppies arrived in Malta last August and, thanks to the SMOM, the medical expenses of all the guide dogs in Malta and Gozo that are currently in service are also covered.

Mr Naudi then gave a presentation on the history and current work of the Foundation. There were then interventions from Samuel Farrugia, aged 9, who lost his sight last year and has attended Orientation and Mobility training, provided free by the MGDF, Anna Sultana and Christine Mifsud, guide dog owners.

Gifts were exchanged and Fra’ Festing was also given an opportunity to speak to a number of guide dog owners in the audience before leaving.

Malcolm J. Naudi (first from right) delivering a presentation on the history and work of the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation. Sitting on the top table with HMEH Fra' Matthew Festing, Grand Master of the SMOM (second from left) are (from left) MGDF Chairman Leone Sciberras, Foreign Minister George Vella and MASMOM President Philip Farrugia Randon.(Photos: Mathilde Simon)

HMEH Fra' Festing speaking to a guide dog owner at the end of the 'official' part of his visit to the MGDF