Around 85 seniors at St. Vincent De Paul had the opportunity to enjoy a love meal that created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness in the residence where they now spend their entire days.
The activity stemmed from an idea by the Prime Minister’s wife Dr. Lydia Abela who, as she does for children with a Gift of Love at Christmas, is now also starting an initiative for seniors on Valentine’s Day.
Dr. Abela worked with four of the main participants of MasterChef Malta – Andrew Debattista, Nicholas Bartolo, Florina Silvio and Ian Agius – and with the management of St. Vincent to prepare a varied menu of healthy food for the seniors who came together for this activity.
Featuring singers Glen Vella and Jasmine Abela, ‘Ikla bi Mħabba’ served as a half-day of entertainment at a residence that welcomes elderly people who have to leave the community and start living under the care of professionals, including elderly people who are rarely visited by relatives and therefore may face loneliness. Dr Abela said that Maltese society is built on love and compassion.
“That is the message we wanted to convey today. That we must be there for each other, cheer each other on and help each other,” stressed the Prime Minister’s wife.
The elderly expressed their appreciation for this activity with a difference and said that they never predicted they would have so much fun. This was the first edition of Ikla bi Mħabba and the initiative is expected to become an annual event to reach more elderly people.
Photo: DOI/OPM
