On the final day of A Gift with Love, Castille Square was once again adorned with a vast collection of gifts, a testament to the altruistic spirit of the Maltese and Gozitan people. Beside the Christmas tree, Dr. Lydia Abela, together with her daughter Giorgia Mae, expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated this year, ensuring a true Christmas for all children. 

For the first time, this year’s edition spanned five days, featuring a Christmas village that offered various spectacular performances and daily activities in Castille Square. This village will remain open to the public until Christmas Eve. “I must admit that, although this is the fifth edition of A Gift with Love, each year I am astonished by the large number of gifts gathered from families, businesses, and many other entities for this initiative. Each year, I continue to admire the values of solidarity practiced by the Maltese and Gozitan people,” remarked Dr. Abela. 

In the presence of Prime Minister Robert Abela, Dr. Lydia Abela expressed her gratitude to everyone who thought of giving a gift during this beautiful time of year. She also took a moment to honor Jake Vella. Although Jake is no longer with us this year, his dream of feeding many abandoned animals in sanctuaries lives on through A Gift with Love – With a Difference at Mater Dei Hospital. “The genuine and altruistic heart of the Maltese and Gozitan people comes to life in this activity. I am truly grateful and proud to be Maltese when we experience moments like these together,” Dr. Abela emphasized. 

Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, highlighted the strong characteristic of solidarity among the Maltese and Gozitan people. “A country with a big heart that knows how to care for and empathize with others. Initiatives like A Gift with Love are clear evidence of this. All these gifts in Castille Square will go to those who need the joy of Christmas. Because during this season, everyone deserves a smile, even if they are going through difficult times,” concluded Minister Bonnici. 

Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms, and Equality, Byron Camilleri, noted that this initiative has become an annual event eagerly awaited by Maltese and Gozitan families. “I must commend the important contribution of the Disciplined Forces in making A Gift with Love a success. I also take this opportunity to thank them for their service and sacrifices throughout the year for the benefit of citizens,” Minister Camilleri stated. 

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, expressed her gratitude to the Local Councils that participated and led the way in driving the A Gift with Love 2024 initiative. Together with residents, they contributed to collecting gifts from their respective localities. 

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