Jake Vella’s Parents Honour His Memory During Their First Christmas Without Him
Jake Vella’s parents, Maruska and Josie, have taken a heartfelt step to honour their son’s memory this festive season.
They placed a gift beneath the Christmas tree as part of this year’s Rigal b’Imħabba B’Differenza (A Gift With Love with a Difference) initiative, which ensures that vulnerable children across Malta don’t miss out on the magic of Christmas.
The initiative, which encouraged people to leave gifts under designated trees from 12th to 19th December, has now collected presents from across the island.
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These gifts have been transported to Castille Square, where they will be distributed to children in need in time for Christmas.
“In Jake’s name, we’ve placed a gift to share the joy of Christmas with children in need,” Jake’s parents shared. “This is the first Christmas without you, dear one, but I am convinced that you are always with us.”
The Rigal b’Imħabba initiative, now in its fourth year, was started in 2020 by Giorgia, the daughter of Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife, Lydia Abela.
The project has grown into a nationwide effort to bring joy to children who might otherwise go without during the festive season.
Lydia Abela expressed her gratitude to those who participated, saying: “Thank you is not enough. With your help, this Christmas will be better for so many children.”
This year, the campaign extended its focus beyond children to include animals in local sanctuaries.
Inspired by the late Jake Vella, ‘A Gift With Love With A Difference’ gathered food and related products for animals, ensuring that Malta’s furry friends are also remembered this Christmas.
Collection points for animal donations were set up at the entrance of Mater Dei Hospital, enabling the public to contribute to both children and animals in need.
Well done to everyone who contributed to this initiative
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