A free Christmas Day Lunch for those who would be alone

A year after their first free Christmas Day Lunch at their newly opened 'LOVE 1C13' community centre, David Abela and Claudia Mulè Stagno, will be hosting the second edition of the same event on Christmas Day 2024.The event is targeted at indi

By: independent.com.mt

Dec 20 2024
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A free Christmas Day Lunch for

The event is targeted at individuals who would otherwise be spending the day alone, no matter their societal background. Last year's event involved an incredible mix of people from all over Malta, including different nationalities, ages and many different reasons for being alone, the organisers said.

When asked what made last year's event a success, David responded "funds are important to keep the wheels turning, however, we measure success differently... by the number of smiles we see around us". It is for this reason that their community lunch is free of charge, as the founders believe that one shouldn't need to pay, to have a family on this day of togetherness.

Christmas is a time of year when depression rates and feelings of loneliness tend to spike, a reality that is also recognised by their sponsor for the second year running, Malta Business School. It is thanks to them that LOVE is able to offer an elaborate, three-course meal to really treat their guests "as it should be", David said.

Due to limited funds, David has been doing most of the construction and restoration work on the premises himself. The couple buy wood, cement, plaster and whatever is needed, come up with creative ideas and learn how to do the work as they go along. Although it would be quicker to get the work done and be able to serve the public from the whole premises, "labour is far too expensive and takes away form the money we have to invest in the people", Claudia said.

This year, the event will be opened by a mass, delivered by Fr. Maurice Mifsud, the owner of the property. In 2020, Fr Maurice granted David Abela permission to restore the building and its surrounding fields in order to utilise it as the LOVE 1C13 premises. Fr Maurice believes in the slogan of the organisation; "Making Generosity Sustainable", something that is deeply needed in a time when the cost of living is skyrocketing. He wants to contribute by providing his property to the organisation that is making it home to so many new connections and reconnections, both with others and with oneself. Their Christmas Day Lunch is just one of many more events and services that they plan to host with this goal in mind.

The couple encourages anyone who may be spending Christmas alone, to get in touch on +356 9933 2211 or to email info@love1c13.com. They have also published an event on their Facebook page LOVE1C13, called 'You don't need to be alone this Christmas!'