On the last day of Gift with love, Pjazza Kastilja, for another year, was decorated with a large amount of gifts thanks to the altruistic value of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
Next to the Christmas tree, Dr. Lydia Abela together with her daughter Giorgia Mae thanked everyone who was part of this edition so that it really is Christmas for all the children. For the first time, this year’s edition was spread over five days through a Christmas village that offered several wonderful shows and days of activities in Castile Square. This village will remain open to the public until Christmas Eve.
“I have to admit that although this is the fifth edition of Rigal B’iwba, every year I am always surprised by the large amount of gifts that are collected by families, businesses and many other entities for this initiative. Every year I continue to admire the values of solidarity practiced by the Maltese and Gozitan people”, stated Dr Abela.
Also in the presence of the Prime Minister Robert Abela, while expressing the sense of appreciation towards everyone who thought of a gift in this most beautiful time of the year, Dr. Abela added that she could not close this event without mentioning Jake Vella. Jake, who although he is no longer with us this year, his dream of feeding many abandoned animals in sanctuaries continues to come true through a gift of love with a difference at Mater Dei Hospital.
“I see the genuine and altruistic heart of the Maltese and Gozitan people come to life in this activity. I’m really grateful for this and I’m really proud to be Maltese when we live moments like this together”, said Lydia Abela.
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici said that a very strong characteristic of the Maltese and Gozitan people is solidarity. A country with a big heart that knows how to pity and feel for others. “An initiative like Gift with love is a clear testimony of this. All these gifts in Castile Square will go to those who need the joy of Christmas. Because at this time everyone deserves a smile, even if one is going through a difficult time”, concluded Minister Bonnici.
The Minister for the Interior, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri said that this initiative has become an annual appointment that Maltese and Gozitan families are waiting for. “I want to praise the important contribution that the disciplined bodies give to make Gift with love a success. I also take the opportunity to thank them for the service and sacrifices they make throughout the year for the good of the citizens”, repeated Minister Camilleri.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli thanked the local councils that took part and were at the forefront to push the initiative Gift with love 2024, where together with the residents they contributed their in collecting the gifts from their respective localities.
Photos: DOI/OPM
