When Do You Think Is The Best Time To Put Away Your Christmas Tree?

Jan 6 2025

The timing of taking down your Christmas tree might carry more significance than you think.

Traditionally, the evening before the Epiphany, known as Twelfth Night, is considered the best time to take down decorations. Folklore suggests leaving them up past this date may bring bad luck.

However, some people choose to take their tree down before the new year to avoid bringing “baggage” into the next year.

Whether you follow tradition, clear up after New Year’s or enjoy your decor for longer or shorter, there’s really no set date to take down your tree.

#MaltaDaily

5 Year Old Raises €350 For Puttinu Cares For Birthday

Jan 6 2025

Little Emily Theuma just raised €350 for Puttinu Cares to celebrate her turning 5 years old!

‘This little cute girl chose to celebrate her special day in the most generous way’, wrote the NGO.

Instead of gifts, Emily asked her friends to donate to Puttinu and help other kids struggling with serious diseases like cancer.

#MaltaDaily

Carer At Home Subsidy Increased To €8,500 For Full-Time Carers

Jan 6 2025

The Carer at Home scheme is set to see an increase in its annual subsidy, rising from €8,000 to €8,500 for full-time carers.

This enhancement was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Aging Malcolm Paul Agius Galea as part of the 2025 Budget proposals.

Last year, the subsidy was raised by €1,000, bringing the total investment for this initiative in 2025 to €8 million.

The scheme provides financial assistance to elderly individuals who require carers for their daily needs, benefitting over 1,100 recipients to date. For those employing part-time carers, the subsidy will now be calculated on a pro-rata basis, offering added flexibility to meet different needs.

Funds are deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts on a monthly basis following approval, ensuring prompt and reliable support. This efficient process aims to ease the financial burden on families and caregivers.

Parliamentary Secretary Agius Galea highlighted that the scheme enables the elderly to remain in the comfort of their own homes while offering families reassurance that their loved ones are cared for by qualified professionals.

Dr. Renzo De Gabriele, CEO of the Active Aging and Community Care Agency, emphasised the scheme’s role in helping elderly individuals retain their independence, calling it a vital support for the most vulnerable.

#MaltaDaily

Investigations Into Lions, Leopard In Naxxar Farm Ongoing

Jan 6 2025

The Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights, in collaboration with the police, is investigating the housing of dangerous animals on a farm in Naxxar following a public report.

Several individuals, including the farm’s owners, have been questioned.

Preliminary findings reveal that the enclosure housing four lions and one leopard does not comply with Subsidiary Legislation 439.19, which regulates the ownership and care of dangerous animals.

This legislation requires such animals to be kept in safe, approved enclosures that meet their health and welfare needs. Written approval from the Director is mandatory before housing dangerous animals.

Veterinary professionals inspected the premises and assessed the animals, confirming they are generally in good condition. However, one lion has an orthopaedic condition requiring attention. Contrary to media claims, no dead lions were found.

The farm is being monitored to ensure the animals’ safety and welfare. They are being fed, housed in clean conditions, and efforts are underway to relocate them to appropriate facilities meeting all welfare and safety standards.

Legal proceedings against those responsible are being pursued under the Veterinary Services Act and Animal Welfare Act.

#MaltaDaily