Surcharge on Christmas Stamps

Three of the four stamps in this year's Christmas stamp set to be issued on Saturday, 27th November 1999, include a small surcharge. This has been the practice since 1969, with proceeds from this surcharge being distributed annually to charitable institutions in Malta and Gozo.

In recent years the beneficiaries have been institutions and philanthropic organisations whose principal aim is child welfare.

This year's Christmas stamps, designed by Harry Borg, depict Carol Singers, Father Christmas and Christmas decorations, together with a traditional Madonna and Child theme.

Close to Lm3,500 were distributed to 25 organisations last year. It is hoped that this figure will be exceeded with the present issue, as a result of public generosity.