Gemma Joe’s will reopen in Sliema on Wednesday, 12 August, with every euro received from sales during its first evening back being donated to Puttinu Cares.
The food truck has been closed for the past four months while being rebuilt and prepared for what owners John-Paul and Steve describe as its next chapter.
Rather than making the reopening solely about the return of the business, the brothers have chosen to dedicate the evening to supporting Puttinu Cares.
The fundraiser will run from 7:00pm until 11:00pm at Gemma Joe’s usual location at Sliema Ferries, opposite the ferry terminal and outside the large car park across from Zara.
Every Cent From Every Sale
Gemma Joe’s has made clear that the donation will not be limited to profits from the evening.
According to its announcement, every euro received — described by the business as “every cent of every sale” — will be passed on to Puttinu Cares.
Customers will be able to choose from Gemma Joe’s dessert and drinks menu, including handmade ice cream, thick shakes, croffles, Hawaiian shaved ice, sundaes, affogatos and coffee.
Gemma Joe’s official website describes the business as a Sliema-based diner-style food truck run by brothers Stephen and John-Paul Pace.
A Personal Reason For Giving Back
The decision also has a personal connection for John-Paul.
In the reopening announcement, he explained that he spent three years during his teens under the care of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia.
He said that experience stayed with him and influenced a long-held wish to support children’s hospitals and organisations helping families through difficult periods if he was ever in a position to do so.
That led the brothers to choose Puttinu Cares for their reopening fundraiser.
How Puttinu Cares Helps Families
Puttinu Cares was established to support children with cancer and their families and has since extended some of its support to adult patients.
Among its services, the organisation assists families who need to travel to the UK for treatment by providing accommodation for accompanying relatives.
The foundation also works alongside families receiving treatment through Malta’s oncology services and relies on donations, fundraising activities and community support.
When And Where Is The Fundraiser?
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Time: 7:00pm–11:00pm
Location: Gemma Joe’s, Sliema Ferries — opposite the ferry terminal and outside the large car park across from Zara
Fundraising commitment: Every euro received from sales during the evening will be donated to Puttinu Cares
For Gemma Joe’s, the reopening will therefore serve two purposes: welcoming customers back after four months away and giving the community a simple way to support Puttinu Cares through their purchases that evening.
