The 20th edition of the Thomas Smith Christmas Charity Swim held on 30th December, 2018, was another successful event, whereby 233 brave swimmers participated, and together with a contribution by Thomas Smith, a fantastic sum of €10,000 was collected for The Malta Community Chest Fund. All newspapers gave the event remarkable coverage. Below is a Press Digest:

 

Times of Malta, 30th December:

Around 200 people gritted their teeth and braved winter seas in Sliema on Sunday as they dipped into the water for an annual charity swim.

Participants, many sporting Santa hats, registered themselves for the 20th edition of the Thomas Smith charity swim and handed in their donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation before stripping down to the swimming gear and taking the plunge.

Schools of jellyfish threatened to add an unwanted sting to proceedings, but event organisers worked hard to clear the sea below Independence Gardens in time for the event.

 

The Malta Independent, 30th December:

€10,000 was raised on Sunday morning during the 20th edition of the Thomas Smith Charity Swim in aid of The Malta Community Chest Fund.

The amount collected was made up of €7,000 from swimmer’s family and friends while Thomas Smith topped up and rounded up the amount to €10,000.

This means that the group has raised over €120,000 in donations over the last 20 years.

 

Malta Today, 30th December:

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was present at the event and in a brief speech thanked those present for supporting the MCCF. The president also commended the Thomas Smith Group for having organized the annual swim, which is now in its 20th year, once again.

This year’s swimmers included 79 women and 154 men, with ages ranging from only two years old to 82.