Dining at the Valletta Waterfront’s Korean Restaurant has landed Marlene Ellul, 22, of Gudja e2000 and an additional e500 to donate to a charitable institution of her choice, the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Cospicua.

Ms Ellul, a student reading for a Masters in English Linguistics, participated in a ‘Dine, Shop & Win’ competition, organised by the Valletta Waterfront. Patrons were given vouchers to participate in a lottery that could win them money to spend at the participating outlets and to donate to charity.

“I had just arrived from Canada after spending four months in Toronto where I was conducting research at York University, for my MA dissertation,” said Ms Ellul. “I went out for dinner to celebrate my arrival back home. The Valletta Waterfront seemed like the best place to go to given that from either one of the restaurants along the waterfront you can take a substantial part of the beautiful Grand Harbour all in one glance. This, minus the noise pollution and the endless bumping into people, equals a refreshing alternative.”

The prize also included an additional e500 which the winner had to donate to a charity of one’s choice. “I chose the Missionaries of Charity or, as they are better known, the Sisters of Mother Theresa in Cospicua. These sisters visit the sick in hospital, the prisoners, and also serve as a great means of support to the community in the area. They distribute food and any other providence they receive to the families in need, as well as gather the children in the area to help them with their homework after school. In summer they also organise a camp for these children, which lasts for around five weeks. All this work is done for free.

Indeed, their cheerfulness, their simplicity as well as their charisma often serve as an inspiring example to youth helpers who help them in taking care of the children, after school or during the summer camp.”