Gift of Life held its Walk for Life last month. This event takes about six weeks to organise and there was a lot of activity leading up to the big day and hopes for nice weather were also voiced. When the day dawned – as grey as lead and with an angry sea − we wondered how the day would turn out as there were a few phone calls enquiring whether or not the walk was being held. In the event 230 people turned up and, as many of them were schoolgirls, mainly from St Monica’s School in Birkirkara, some from St Monica’s in Gzira, some from St Aloysius College as well as from Girls Junior Lyceum, Zejtun, the atmosphere soon became electric. Bubbly chatter, blowing of whistles and so on were with us from start to finish, as well as pro-life ditties that the girls had made up during break which they proceeded to sing with gusto! The pink and blue balloons blew in the breeze, the girl with the vuvuzuela and her Mexican hat livened up things too. It was truly full of life, as all Gift of Life events are because we really cherish the gift of life!

When we got to Bay Street walkers were treated to drinks and a Kit Kat bar, compliments of Nestle, after which Paul Vincenti, our CEO, thanked everyone for coming and told us to continue working as hard as ever to keep Malta free of abortion. He was followed by Dr Jason Azzopardi PN, who also said he was pleased to take part in our pro-life activity and encouraged everyone to work to keep Malta free from abortion by educating the young and sheltering them from modern day ‘progressive’ ideas. DJ Soni then played some lively music for us as well.

Our adult walkers were there too, swelling the numbers and nobody paused except when we stopped a couple of times to regroup. The money for the walk is still coming in and we should reach our target of €4,000 when all the cash is collected. The money will help us look after all the mothers and babies who are in the care of HOPE, Gift of Life’s caring side who look after women in crisis pregnancy.

We started with the walk as an introduction to Jum il Hajja 2012 and this is being followed up by an invitation to all schools to take part in a pro-life project which will be judged on Jum il Hajja 2012. ‘A LIFE’ award will be given to the best project.

A big “Thank You” to all who took part or helped in any way – we are very grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you at our next pro-life event.

Mary Hilda Camilleri

SLIEMA