Malta has truly done itself proud this year in giving to others and giving without the promise of a return.

The main focal point of this year’s charity drive was of course Boxing Day’s l-iStrina where over e2 million were raised under the patronage of the President of Malta – George Abela.

This year was the first time that people who donated money to l-iStrina did not receive a prize for doing so. The President had said that this was one of his main aims this year, to ensure that people gave from the heart.

It was, of course, touch and go and no one could really predict the reaction to the new format but the people of Malta and Gozo truly did the nation proud. But there was a lot more. Dr Abela had said that he wanted to make the Strina campaign a yearlong event and for people to be part of it. This year, we saw the organisation of the Rockestra Concert and the President’s Fun Run – all with the emphasis on public participation. Throughout the year, the general public took part in events to raise money and the real indication of how people viewed the effort was in the response to the activities, the call for no strings donations, participation, publicity and, of course, the sum raised.

But there was much more than the main event. On Sunday a brave bunch of individuals dived into the sea to raise money for those in need. Little children have organised bazaars and made cakes, divers have (had a great deal of fun) performing tricks underwater. Bikers have taken to the road to tour Malta in aid of charity... the list goes on and on. One cannot hope to list them all and it is also worth pointing out that many of these events have been held every year, year after year. But to all those who did take part – and that could mean swimming in December, running 7 kilometres, baking a cake or simply making a donation – we should be proud.

Times are not good. We were late into recession and we will be late out of recession. The effects of the crash will be felt for a long time to come by all nations of the world. Yet in a pessimistic time, the country has once again shown that at times of need – we do forget our differences and come together.

Government backbench riots, utility bills, feuds and disputes... who cares when we can come together and do this. The feeling will not last long; Christmas and Boxing Day have come and gone and the New Year is just around the corner. The Festive Spirit will wane and we will all settle back into our usual routine. But... if we could just retain a fraction of what has been done in the name of charity throughout the year and work it into our daily way of doing things, we might just get through life with a bit more of a smile on our faces.

Apart from the very strange good feeling one gets in doing something for a good cause, many people did things this year which they did not think were possible. It is intrinsically linked. One must do something to actually raise money. The things we normally do are very stressful and dull. So it would have to be something fun. It puts a smile on our face... so why not do it more? And why not do it as a way of life? Bah Humbug...