Calpe House Trust thanks Gibraltar

Gibraltar should be proud that so many of its fellow citizens care so much about each other that they are willing “to come forward and give of their time and money” when it was needed, Government Minister Joe Bossano stated.

“This is what makes us who we are,” he said at a Calpe House Trust reception held to thank all those who had contributed to the Calpe House appeal which now stands at over £1 million.

Vice Chairman Albert Poggio thanked those who had helped raise this “staggering” amount, and also paid tribute to the trustees and especially its president Charlie Tilbury, unable to be present on the night, for his sterling work. Mr Poggio also paid tribute Joe Bossano, who was Chief Minister at the time of the original purchase, and had proved to be a great supporter of the project ever since.

Speaking at the reception of sponsors and supporters Mr Bossano commented how in his 44 years serving the people of Gibraltar he had seen many things happen on the Rock “some good, some bad” and how Calpe House was one which had done a lot of good.

“You really bring out what is human about us when people give instead of take. And therefore Calpe House has given an opportunity to everyone to give and people have responded magnificently.”

Mr Poggio gave a resume of what had happened to date and how despite the issues with “dry rot (asbestos), not an unusual in London and which has now been cleared” in the on going renovation of the new Calpe House, was still on target to open at the end of June. The new buildings will be four times bigger than the present building with 38 suites.

“The contribution that has been made by the people in Gibraltar has been fantastic. Everybody has got behind the appeal,” he said.

Looking forward to 2017 Mr Poggio said there would be a lot happening with a number of fundraising projects in connection with Calpe House were already in the planning stages.