Over the past couple of days, we have published stories about the generosity or kindness that Maltese people do, or do not display. An original study found that Maltese people are more likely to be generous with their possessions and money, but are less likely to help a stranger. We also heard from Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations Professor Kenneth Wain, who believes the same.

But in today’s issue, someone believes that the opposite is true. So who is right? Probably none of them, and all of them.

That the Maltese people are generous is not in doubt, just look at the outpouring of giving that comes with the annual l-Istrina charity drive, the response when we are called to donate to victims of catastrophe, like the 2004 tsunami in Asia, the Dar tal-Providenza rally and many, many more. We are, by nature, very generous when we know that others need help. But on the flipside, we are also a deeply distrustful people by nature. Put in short, we like to know who we are giving to, what they need it for, what they will use it for, etc. etc. If we see a stranger, then yes, we might just turn the other way.

It is a scientifically proven fact that most people around the world will act impassively in a situation where another person is in danger, or is being assaulted. It takes a special person to stand out of the crowd and break the cycle. We should not get bogged down in how or why we help people. We should focus on what we do as a society as a whole. What we should be concerned with is not, like in the parables, making the loudest sound in the collection box when we drop our donation. But rather, we should concentrate on giving as much as we can to those who need it. That could be our time, attention, a shoulder to lean on, and yes, of course, financial or material needs as well.

We live in a society which has become a rat race. More and more people are being left by the wayside, in terms of financial security, mental wellbeing and the simple and basic need to be loved and cared about.

Volunteering and giving is something personal. Only the person that is giving up time or money knows the extend of what they are offering another person who is in need. Ultimately, it is our society which defines us. Although there are cases when some people literally fall through every safety net, anyone who normally needs help in Malta will find it. And we should be proud of that. But what is, on the other hand, disappointing is that it is normally Maltese that come first, other Europeans that come second and then, third come immigrants. They deserve help too. At the end of the day, they are also part of our society and it would benefit us, as a country and as a people, to integrate these people and make them feel a valued part of society. Shunning them and ghettoising them leads to trouble, as France has found out at very dear cost.