C (SD) Company is an elite company made of 110 soldiers who are all volunteers to participate in EU LED Crisis Management Operations, most of whom have already deployed in support of KOSOVO AID; EU NAVFOR; EUTM SOMALIA; EUMM GEORGIA; and several FRONTEX deployments. This company is made up of highly trained and fit young soldiers, who out of their own initiative, came up with the idea to organise a charity event in aid of Puttinu Cares. At the beginning the event was to take shape in the form of a fun run however these motivated soldiers kept coming up with more ideas and eventually the event was dubbed as March For Puttinu. All C (SD) Coy soldiers pledged to participate in the event. The event kicked of on the 11th of December when all Coy soldier presented themselves at the blood transfusion centre to donate blood. Such a large number of donors kept the nurses and staff busy. With this injection of donated blood Mater Dei Hospital was temporarily alleviated of blood shortage. Meanwhile the soldiers kept training for this event which will be conducted irrespective of weather conditions. The soldiers will March along a 15km route in full uniform carrying 20 kg of weight in their back pack. The route is as shown below and funds will be raised along the route with the assistance of volunteers provided by Puttinu Care Foundation. Once at Msida Creek (near Black Pearl) the soldiers will dare the cold winter waters and swim across to Maritime Squadron base (Haywharf) fully clothed. After the swim they will pick up their back packs once again and continue their March up to City Gates Valletta. At City Gates the soldiers will be awaited by young children who are currently benefiting from assistance provided by Puttinu Care Foundation. The soldiers together with these young real life heroes will march up to St Georges Square. Once at St Georges Square all the soldiers together with the young warriors will once again do their utmost to collect more funds. Event will kick off at 0830hrs from St Georges Bay St Julian and the soldiers are expected to be at Msida Creek for the swimming event round 1100hrs. It is being envisaged that the soldiers will meet the children near city gates at around 1400hrs. An SMS hot line has been initiated and everyone is urged to participate in this noble cause. Each donation is worth ONLY 2 € making this affordable to all. The public is invited to meet and cheer these soldiers anywhere along the route. Your support will be greatly appreciated by all the soldiers especially while daring the cold waters at Msida Creek. C (SD) COY soldiers are doing their utmost to put a smile on the faces of these children. While everyone will be busy shopping around or enjoying the holidays these soldiers will be marching and swimming to help those in need. Without your donations their efforts will be futile and in vain.

• published: 30 Dec 2013
• views: 1124