Every year, the Maltese people show their undying generosity by donating heavily to l-Istrina – the annual Boxing Day fundraising telethon in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.

Every year there is a debate on whether the event should be held, with many arguing that this event raises funds desperately needed to help pay for medical costs and for accommodation for patients receiving care abroad as well as their relatives, and others saying that the state should be paying for such costs, and that patients should not rely on the mercy of the general public.

This year, that debate has reared its head again and the ongoing political crisis has only made the voices of opposition louder. Many have said that the event should be boycotted … that L-Istrina should not be taking place in view of the unravelling scandal of corruption, murder and attempted cover-ups.

We disagree with that sentiment. Like President George Vella, we believe that the sick and vulnerable cannot wait until things settle down. The care and assistance they need cannot be postponed until after the country returns to some semblance of normality.

We also believe that the state ought to do more for those in need, especially at a time when Malta is registering surplus after surplus. Perhaps, some of the funds generated by the controversial passport sale scheme, now in its final stages, could be used to this effect.

But until that happens, if it happens, our donations are greatly needed to improve the quality of life and care of those in need.

Some say that we should not wait until Boxing Day to donate some of our hard-earned money to the needy, but the truth is that the Maltese are generous all year round. We give, and give again, be it for l-Istrina, the Dar tal-Providenza fundraiser or other, smaller events throughout the year. We give money for our local feasts and to animal sanctuaries. We give money to the political parties.

There is no reason whatsoever why the ongoing drama should keep us from setting our differences aside for a day and uniting for a common goal – that of helping our fellow brothers and sisters who find themselves in difficult times.

L-Istrina is about saving lives and if those lives cannot be saved despite the best of efforts, the aim is to give them a better quality of life when they are at their most vulnerable, and to provide some peace of mind for their families; families whose lives have been turned upside down, sometimes forever.

Let us also not forget that L-Istrina is not just about donating on the day. For many months, groups of ordinary citizens, volunteers and organisations will have been holding innovative fundraising events, with the proceeds being presented to the MCCF on the day.

Last year, l-Istrina registered another record. Over 7 million euro were donated – an increase of over a million on the previous year.

Let us, once again be generous with each other and set a new record.