In Puerto Barrios, a rural area in Guatemala, the SiGMA Foundation has been working hand in hand with the Santo Hermano Pedro parish, led by Gozitan priest Dun Anton Grech. Together, they’ve launched a series of initiatives aimed at easing daily struggles and bringing tangible improvements to the lives of local families.
A standout among these projects is the funding of a plastic baling machine, part of a recycling initiative helping to reduce waste in a makeshift dump where around 60 families currently live. Additionally, the foundation is supporting the setup of an operating room for eye surgeries, the distribution of clean stove ovens, and the installation of water purification systems—all aimed at addressing key health and environmental challenges in the community.
Among the contributors of this collective effort are; OK Medical Ltd donated 13 wheelchairs and 10 oxygen concentrators, Saint Mary’s Clinic provided valuable medical equipment, and Sacred Heart Junior School encouraged its students to collect stationery in a heartwarming donation drive.
Josef Cachia, COO of OK Medical Ltd, shared his thoughts on the collaboration:
“OK Medical Ltd is proud to work with the SiGMA Foundation and Fr. Anton Grech on this project. We focus on improving the quality of life through our products and are glad to support communities in need. Donating mobility and respiratory equipment for this initiative aligns with our mission to make a difference where it matters most.”
Coordinating the logistics of assembling and shipping these supplies has been no small task, with Fr. Anton Grech’s brother-in-law played a vital role in ensuring everything was ready for its journey to Guatemala. Sharing his thoughts on coordinating this initiative, Andre Zammit says: “Organizing the shipment of donated goods to Guatemala was both challenging and rewarding. Logistics were not simple, but the volunteers’ teamwork and dedication made it happen. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy. Together, we’ve made a real difference in the lives of people who need support.”
Keith Marshall, Board Chairperson of the SiGMA Foundation, summed up the effort:
“This initiative reflects the incredible generosity of the Maltese community, whose support has bridged the gap between Malta and Puerto Barrios. Together, we’re proving that collective action can bring meaningful change to those who need it most.”
As the holiday season draws near, the SiGMA Foundation reminds us that the spirit of giving shouldn’t be confined to just one time of year. True generosity is a habit, one that enriches not only the lives of those in need but also the givers themselves.
The work in Guatemala allows for the power of collaboration to truly shine, showing how when communities come together—whether in Malta or across the world—there’s no limit to the positive change we can create. Every effort, big or small, makes a lasting impact, not just for the festive season but for all seasons.
The SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 and is the philanthropic arm of SiGMA Group with a mission to empower underserved individuals and communities around the world through fundraising activities, charity work, education programmes, and skills training. Find out more here.
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