The Marigold Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that stands as a testament to the power of collective effort in working to improve society. It is under the strong leadership of the former first lady, Michelle Muscat, wife of former prime minister, Joseph Muscat
Since its inception, the organisation has worked on several issues related to health and education, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It embodies the principles
to improve the lives of Maltese people by organising several events, and awareness campaigns.
The foundation focuses on the adoption of a non-reformist approach that seeks to ensure that the various challenges affecting society can be solved and future problems prevented.
Every citizen has the right to receive quality healthcare facilities but it is still an ongoing challenge in every country. Marigold aims to make this possible for everyone by setting up health facilities, supplying medicine, and offering the health sector human resources, especially to the underprivileged. Under the management team headed by Michelle Muscat, the foundation remains unique in its pursuit of the intimate transformative social evolution and guarantees that endangered citizens will get appropriate medical assistance and lead healthy lives. But the organisation’s goals are not solely restricted to getting basic medical treatments.
Michelle Muscat, the driving force behind Marigold
Under the leadership of Mrs. Muscat, the foundation became a huge success. She uses her power to support causes that are pertinent to the improvement of the standard of living within society. Having worked as a women’s, children’s, and social justice advocate, Michelle uses her power to support causes that are pertinent to the improvement of the standard of living within society. Through the leadership of Michelle, the foundation has been able to initiate advocacy-themed campaigns, build partnerships with local organisations and communities, and carry out pilot programs to solve some of society’s most pertinent problems. Under her leadership, Marigold organised numerous fundraising events. Between 2015 and 2020, the foundation organised and participated in five annual swimming challenges, raising €2.3 million.
Successful activities and initiatives
Launched in 2014, the foundation has organised several activities and campaigns.
- Cardiac Awareness Campaign
The campaign took place for the first time in 2022 on Marigold’s eighth anniversary. The foundation donated an Echocardiogram machine, a Philips EPIQ CVx, to the Department of Cardiology at Mater Dei Hospital. It offers advanced imaging of the heart and can detect early changes in the pumping of the organ. After COVID, more than 1000 people in Malta die annually due to heart attacks. This machine helps treat cardiovascular diseases and prevent the consequences at its initial stage.
This year, on February 14th, Marigold conducted the informative Cardiac Awareness Campaign third time in a row on its tenth anniversary to create awareness of heart health conditions. Various experts from the field of cardiology Dr. Alice May Moorewere and heart failure nurses – Sheldon Attard and Janet Caruana were in attendance this year and spoke about the importance of heart health and how to take care of it. The program was organised by the foundation in collaboration with the Cardiac Unit at Mater Dei Hospital and the Archeology Museum, Teatru Cafe. Addressing this occasion, Mrs Muscat spoke about the foundation’s goals and aspirations in improving the lives of the citizens of Malta. The aim was to educate the general public about the difference between a heart attack and heart failure.
2.Pink October-Movember Campaign
It is one of the foundation’s most notable campaigns.The Pink October-Movember campaign began in 2015 to raise awareness about cancer and support NGOs and patient support groups.
Mrs Muscat speaking at the the Pink Oct – Mov ’23 Campaign
Source: @michmuscat
Last year’s campaign focus was on breast cancer and other female cancer such as ovarian and cervical cancer. The goal was to educate women on how to prevent these cancers, stay healthy, and also be able to detect early signs and do the necessary screening. In addition, the Campaign raised awareness about men’s health issues, specifically testicular and prostate cancer. The program also covered the effects that cancer has on the mental health of patients and their caregivers.
Michelle Muscat, Transport Malta Executive Head Joe Bugeja, Valletta Vice Mayor Ray Azzopardi and Floriana Vice Mayor Vince Borg commemorating the Pink Oct – Mov’ 21 campaign
The key events of the previous Pink October-Movember Campaign included the Bike Ride, the Pink Zebra Walk, and numerous awareness sessions at schools, offices, and local councils. These events helped create awareness in the country about cancer prevention and early detection, while also raising funds for research in the field.
3. World Autism Month
The foundation celebrates World Autism Month annually in April. The most notable was the one in 2020 when the group lit up the Mdina Bastions in blue to mark the occasion and support the families dealing with the additional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation has actively supported people with autism and their families. The annual “Light It Up Blue” event is the result of the foundation’s consistent collaboration with the Autism Parents Association.
The Mdina Gate lit up in blue
In 2023 the theme was ‘Not Invisible’, a campaign led by Autism Europe.The Marigold Foundation in collaboration with several other groups lit up the Meeting Place in blue and organised a literary and music event by young talents with the autism spectrum. It was an immense opportunity of the young talents to showcase their creativity. The effort was to build an inclusive and safe space in society for autistic people. The main focus was on raising awareness about the obstacles and discrimination faced by people with autism and advocating for their human rights to be recognized and supported in all areas of life. Addressing the event, Chairperson of Marigold foundation Michelle Muscat spoke about the need to create comfortable spaces for persons on the spectrum.
Supporting the Marigold Foundation
Individuals and organisations can support the foundation’s initiatives and get involved through several ways.
- Donate: One can make direct donations and support the organisation’s initiatives, including those focused on health, education, and social welfare. The funds are used to pay for medical needs, advocacy, and education that will help those in need. For details regarding donations, donors can contact the foundation’s official contact number: +356 9991 2373.
- Volunteer: Anyone can offer their time and services to support the events held by the foundation. Participating, organising events and running campaigns are great ways to aid the charity.
3.Spread the word: Educate people on the foundation’s goals and aspirations. Encourage them to join campaigns, volunteer and donate.
