TMID Editorial: Helping others

The festive season is soon upon us, just weeks away.Christmas shops have already opened, and after Black Friday, the Christmas season will start ramping up. Companies will organise their staff parties, people will buy gifts for their loved ones, and

By: independent.com.mt

Nov 29 2024
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The festive season is soon upon us, just weeks away.

Christmas shops have already opened, and after Black Friday, the Christmas season will start ramping up. Companies will organise their staff parties, people will buy gifts for their loved ones, and homes will start lighting up with Christmas lights and other decorations, if they haven't already done so that is.

But the festive period should not be about gifts, it should be about spending time with loved ones, making memories, and also about helping others.

It is now, at this moment, that people start deciding how they want to their Christmas holidays, and how much they want to spend. Instead of just focusing on gifts, we should all keep in mind that setting something aside to help others can go a long way in helping someone get through a hard time.

Each year, the Maltese and Gozitans have been generous. This can already be seen this year, through the Children's Dreams campaign. Children's Dreams is a project with the sole mission of making the Christmas wishes come true for the children identified by FSWS, who come from families facing social and financial difficulty, and also children being raised in Children's Homes. According to the website, 100% of dreams have already been selected to be fulfilled.

There are two major fund raising marathons that take place during the festive season, L-Istrina, in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, and also the Festa ta' Ġenerożità in aid of the Dar tal Providenza. Both are extremely important causes.

The MCCF has, for years, helped so may people who needed support. For those requiring certain medical care, it has been a literal lifeline of support. The MCCF also provides support through a Social Assistance Unit and also a Unit for Assistance of Persons with Disability, for example by financing required specialised equipment for the latter.

The Festa ta' Ġenerożità in aid of the Dar tal-Providenza is also an important fundraiser. This year's edition was announced just a couple of days ago. The home's administration said that the home currently needs around €7 million per year for its operations, which is no small amount. Since its founding, it has offered permanent residency to 270 persons with disability as well as many others who needed respite services.

Aside from these two fundraisers, there are, of course, other ways to help. For example, one could directly support other homes that provide support services or shelters.

And its not all about monetary donations either. Volunteering is a great way people can help organisations dedicated to supporting others, and while there are many who do volunteer during the Christmas period, volunteering during other months is just as supportive.