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The sixth edition of the Rigal Bi Mħabba initiative has ended successfully.
A record number of gifts were collected for vulnerable children.
In the courtyard of the Auberge in Castille, next to a record number of gifts resulting from the generosity of the Maltese and Gozitan people, Dr Lydia Abela together with her daughter Giorgia Mae thanked everyone who was part of this edition of Rigal bi Mħabba, so that every child will have a gift this Christmas, regardless of the challenges they may be going through.
In the presence of Prime Minister Robert Abela, Dr Lydia Abela noted with satisfaction how year after year families, organizations, local councils and commercial companies, among others, continue to actively get involved in this initiative and even come forward with new ideas so that this annual appointment continues to spread more and more throughout the country. She also made reference to Rigal Bi Mħabba b’Differenza in aid of animals, an initiative that was born together with Jake Vella and which this year was also extended to Gozo.
“Rigal Bi Mħabba makes us reflect on the difference that generosity can make and on the hope that we can give when we all come together. This is what happened for the sixth consecutive year, the Maltese and Gozitans came together, were generous and offered hope. From here, the work will now begin so that that generosity and that hope is delivered directly to the children before Christmas Day,” concluded Dr Lydia Abela.
Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri said, “The Gift with Love initiative is a clear example of how solidarity and kindness can make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable children. I am proud of the way in which our Disciplined Forces have once again taken an active part in this initiative, and have shown that their mission goes beyond security service, by offering hope, joy and smiles to children who deserve a Christmas full of love and dignity.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli praised this initiative and the strong participation of Local Councils for this altruistic gesture. “It is precisely these initiatives that continue to bring communities together and, year after year, demonstrate the generosity of the Maltese and Gozitan people,” said Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.
