Helping those in need is at the heart of Apple Core Foods, with the company launching their annual corporate social responsibility programme in aid of the YMCA Homeless. 

Director of Sales Antoinette Stellini explained the role of the company and held that with March 19 being the Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Day, the company will help homeless people at YMCA prepare lunch and teach them how to cook. All the homeless at the YMCA will receive a t-shirt bearing the company’s logo.

YMCA Board Member Tom Cusens claimed that the shelter caters for people with social problems such as domestic violence. He stated that this initiative by Apple Core is a fruitful initiative as it teaches the homeless important skills such as cooking. He continued that shortly the YMCA residence will relocate to Msida. Mr Cusens recommended the students that do volunteer work at the YMCA, particularly those following social and care worker courses at University and MCAST.

Shelter Administrator Anthony Camilleri highlighted the current problems at YMCA, arguing that the number of people in the shelter is constantly fluctuating with the average number of homeless people being between 20 and 25. He emphasised that the shelter provides for a maximum stay of six months however the YMCA ensures that people are able to sustain themselves financially before leaving the shelter.

Questioned why people end up as homeless, he stated that unemployment and lack of education are the main reasons. YMCA works hand in hand with ETC to find opportunities for these people. Special focus is being applied on minors with a specific programme being drawn to help child development.