Christmas – the season to be jolly and the time of year when the Maltese like to indulge in an abundance of food and spend some quality time with their loved ones. It is also the time when the Maltese never disappoint and – ridding themselves of their usual petty partisan ideas – unite to contribute towards some just cause.

This year, once again, we did not disappoint.

During the now traditional Boxing Day traditional fund-raising marathon, our value of solidarity shined brighter than diamonds. The Maltese collected more than €3.4 million in less than 24 hours to help those who are most in need.

The sense of unity and maturity that prevailed deserves to be praised. Irrespective of the political events that happened throughout 2013, irrespective of the different beliefs that we have, everyone united towards this just cause. It was a rare sight to see Simon Busuttil, Joseph Muscat, the Archbishop and the Bishops all pulling together. For this, much credit needs to be given to President George Abela, who has worked wonders throughout his presidency and has achieved great milestones which will make his successor’s job much harder.

As a Maltese citizen, I would like to thank President Abela for the amazing job he has done over the past five years. Despite the very recent criticism which he has faced, and despite the fact that there were instances last year when he was called upon to resign, he has always managed to rise above and prove his worth. His humility, hard work and determination to surmount the partisan agendas that dominate Malta will make him one of the greatest presidents this country has ever seen, if not the greatest.

I would also like to thank the silent contributor who is the most important player behind various acts of generosity – the Maltese public.

Even though many families, particularly those from the working class, suffer throughout the year to make ends meet, I know for a fact that they do their utmost to donate and contribute to those who are suffering. Be they young or old, Labour or PN, rich or poor, on 26 December every Maltese person feels compelled to help and to contribute.

It is therefore no surprise that this nation has collected an astonishing sum of money to donate to our charities.

Last but not least, I would like to thank all those who help charitable organisations as volunteers during the year. They are the backbone of these institutions and were it not for the compassion these people show, coupled with the open-handedness of the Maltese public on occasions such as l-Istrina, our country would be missing one if its most important elements.

Such acts of kindness make me proud to be Maltese. Thank you, Malta.

Joseph Cuschieri, S&D MEP, is head of the Labour Party delegation in the European Parliament

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