€135,000 awarded to five inspiring initiatives that will make a positive change in Malta

Sunday 30th of October saw the final programme of the first edition of Changemakers, in which the five judges, who were initially intending to award up to €100,000 to the winner/s of the programme, decided during deliberation to donate an additional €35,000 to be able to award funding to each and every finalist, ensuring that every finalist was a winner.

The funds were distributed as follows:

·         €50,000 to the main winner, Step Up For Parkinson's, for their initiative “Parkinson’s Centre”.

·         €25,000 to Embrace Diversity Organisation for their initiative “Physio Room”.

·         €25,000 to Fondazzjoni Sebħ for their initiative “After Care and Therapeutic Apartments”.

·         €25,000 to Zibel for their initiative “Sikka”.

·         €5,000 to RMJ Horse Rescue for their initiative “Development of Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre”.

·         €5,000 was also awarded to Step Up for Parkinson's through the People’s Choice Awards, which was voted for by the public through SMS voting over the past week.

The finalists have been working with the mentors over the past few weeks and all presented a fantastic pitch which inspired the public and raised awareness on issues and how their initiative addresses these issues related to animal welfare, the environment, health, disability, abuse, and trauma.  

“Winning Changemakers after 4 months of hard work is indeed a big satisfaction for me and the Parkinson's Community. Well done to the other finalists for their amazing and meaningful projects. The Changemakers Award gives us hope that justice is carried out with people living with Parkinson's and their caregivers to open a Parkinson's Centre which would offer specialised healthcare and improve our quality of life,” Adrian Casha, Project Manager, Step Up For Parkinson’s.

Created by Inspirasia Foundation in collaboration with Greatt, Changemakers is a TV show in which individuals and social purpose organisations are given the opportunity to showcase their initiative on national television, receive mentoring and exposure and the chance to be awarded funding for a social or environmental initiative that positively impacts Malta.

While each finalist has been awarded funding, they still need additional funding to be able to reach their full funding goals. The public can join in on the impact and be part of the change by donating to these inspiring causes through the Zaar Crowdfunding platform at www.zaar.com.mt/changemakers-2022/.

If you wish to find out other ways in which you can support the participants of Changemakers further, visit www.changemakers.today/changemakers.