RMJ Horse Rescue in Malta has received a transformational boost from a community-led fundraiser spearheaded by Lahcene Merzoug, a local expat entrepreneur, and his partner Maria Moller. Merzoug’s iGaming business, PressEnter Group, matched all donations, enabling RMJ to launch their ‘Track to Trust’ therapeutic arena.
Lahcene Merzoug said, “All my companies regularly engage in CSR work, both locally and internationally. Yet, this island and its community have truly become our home since we moved here in 2013, and that’s why giving back, especially to a cause so close to our hearts, meant so much to us.
Though our CSR budgets were set for 2026, when a friend who volunteers at RMJ invited us to visit, Maria and I were extremely impressed by their work. On the spot, we decided to act; we created a fundraiser, and PressEnter Group, one of my businesses, promised to match every donation. In just four weeks, we raised over €10,000, and with PressEnter’s match, RMJ received more than €20,000.” The fundraiser concluded on May 24th with a ceremony at RMJ, where donors met the horses and witnessed the check handover. The event, which was also attended by GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti and Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Sharlo Camilleri, raised awareness of RMJ’s work and celebrated the beginning of the ‘Track to Trust’ arena project.”
Ivan Filletti, CEO of GamingMalta said, “This is a perfect example of how the iGaming industry, through our strong ecosystem, contributes to meaningful CSR initiatives beyond the sector. Hats off to Lahcene and Maria and the PressEnter Group for this worthy cause, and for championing it right here in Malta.”
Corinne Farrugia, Chairperson of the NGO said, “The dream which was once only in our heads to bring retired race horses and children together can now finally be turned into reality. Thanks to Lahcene and Maria, this milestone is nearer and we, as RMJ can really start the works to have adequate facilities for the T2T project, Track to Trust, where retired racehorses find a new purpose while helping children build trust and confidence.”
About RMJ Horse Rescue: RMJ is the only NGO in Malta licensed to rehabilitate neglected horses. They care for over 100 horses and rehome many, operating entirely with volunteers dedicated to giving these animals a stable future.
About PressEnter Group: PressEnter Group is an iGaming operator founded in 2018, with headquarters in Sliema, Malta. The company continues giving back to the local community in Malta, where it acts and operates.
