During visits to Żebbuġ Primary School, St Theresa School in Kerċem, and Xewkija Primary School, the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, together with Dr Lydia Abela, launched the "Rigal Bi Mħabba b'Differenza" initiative in Gozo. This year marks the first time that the initiative has been extended to the island of Gozo.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative was created together with Jake Vella and supports animals in sanctuaries across Malta. Primary schools and the Bishop's Conservatory in Rabat, Gozo, also joined the initiative by collecting food for animals.

Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri stated, "It is very satisfying for us that this beautiful initiative has been extended to Gozo this year, and that today, together with Dr Lydia Abela, we visited several schools in Gozo that presented their donations. Our island still has a strong sense of community, and I have no doubt that 'Rigal Bi Mħabba b'Differenza' will be a testament to the big heart of the Gozitans and their commitment to caring not only for one another, but also for the animals in our sanctuaries."

Minister Camilleri concluded by encouraging everyone to come together for this cause so that we may continue helping the animals in our sanctuaries.

For her part, Dr Lydia Abela said that this initiative continues to demonstrate beautiful values of solidarity and respect for every form of life. "Rigal Bi Mħabba b'Differenza is not just a gesture of giving, but a powerful message of empathy. This initiative is very close to my heart, as it was a dream of Jake Vella that we managed to fulfil together. It is extremely satisfying that it has now also been extended to Gozo and that we are seeing children, educators, and entire communities come together to help abandoned animals. These are the values we want to instil in our children, and we must continue to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves."

Anyone wishing to participate in this initiative may place animal food products or related items at Villa Rundle, Rabat, Gozo, between 5 and 26 December 2025.